Day 5 Praying with Confidence & Surrender A Reflection on Psalm 5

Praying with Confidence and Surrender

By Torrie Slaughter

Scripture Focus: Psalm 5:3
"In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly."

Psalm 5 is a prayer of trust and surrender, written by David during a time of distress. This psalm reminds us of the power of bringing our concerns before God, trusting His justice, and waiting for His guidance with confidence. It challenges us to approach God in prayer not only with reverence but also with the assurance that He hears and acts on behalf of His people.

Starting the Day with God

David opens Psalm 5 with a plea: “Listen to my words, Lord, consider my lament.” His heartfelt prayer demonstrates that God is not distant but deeply attentive to His children’s cries. Verse 3 highlights the importance of prioritizing time with God: “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice.” By seeking God at the start of the day, David shows us the value of centering our hearts and minds on God’s presence before anything else.

This is an invitation for us to build the habit of morning prayer—a time to lay our requests before God and align our plans with His will. When we begin our day with Him, we are reminded of His sovereignty, which gives us strength and peace to face the day’s challenges.

Waiting Expectantly for God’s Response

David doesn’t just present his requests to God; he waits expectantly for a response. This reveals his trust in God’s faithfulness and timing. Waiting on God requires patience, faith, and surrender, knowing that His plans are better than our own.

For us, this waiting period can be challenging, especially when answers don’t come immediately. But Psalm 5 encourages us to trust that God is working, even in the silence. Like David, we can approach God with confidence, trusting that He will answer in ways that bring justice, protection, and peace.

Trusting God’s Justice and Protection

Later in the psalm, David contrasts the righteous with the wicked, affirming that God hates evil and protects those who take refuge in Him. He declares, “Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield” (Psalm 5:12). This assurance reminds us that, no matter how chaotic the world seems, God’s justice and protection surround those who trust Him.

When we feel overwhelmed by the challenges of life, we can take comfort in God’s promise to bless and shield us. His favor is not dependent on our circumstances but on His unfailing love.

Reflection Questions

1. How can you prioritize spending time with God in prayer at the start of your day?

2. Are there areas in your life where you need to wait expectantly for God’s response?

3. What does it mean for you personally to trust God’s justice and protection?

The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan

Sunday, January 5, 2025

Genesis 11:1-13:4, Matthew 5:1-26, Psalm 5:1-12, Proverbs 1:24-28