Psalm 5

It really makes for great theater, this image of a person screaming out to God.

Lt. Dan on the mast of the Jenny in Forrest Gump is a great example. But it's just one of many. There is something about seeing a person broken and needing God that makes good drama.

Until that person is you.

Then, it hurts.

This psalm is about a man who sees and is pursued by wicked people. He calls to God to be God- in other words, punish the wicked and reward the righteous. He asks God to be just. He wants the wicked to be "destroyed" and "banished." We don't see a lot of mercy in David's initial requests from God about his enemies.

Then, in verse 11, there is grace.

"...let all who take refuge in you be glad;
let them ever sing for joy."

There is hope. I take this to mean that those who David have just prayed to be crushed, even they, if they choose to turn to God, can find refuge. David would know. He has been arrogant and wicked and lied, he has engaged in intrigue. Bloodthirsty and deceitful? Let's just ask Bathsheba's husband. Oh, that's right, David had him killed to hide his infidelity with the man's wife.

Yet, David says he can enter God's presence. Why would a man as vile and as wicked as a murderous adulterer be allowed in God's presence?

Because God is as merciful as He is just. David got that.

We need to get it as well.