Well... there are many that hardly rate a mention! We go through them in almost "automatic" mode. Get up, go to the toilet, get dressed (with a uniform to wear, there are fewer choices than on a weekend!), have breakfast (a familiar menu?), clean teeth...
Some choices are affected by other, earlier choices we have made - such as marriage or a job. These set our course in a more major way. In different ways they involve a commitment which will guide some of the other choices we make.
Some people are quick to decide, whatever the consequences. Others weigh the matter up and down and round about, seemingly fearful to come to any decision.
We have all seen those car ads on TV that present the vehicle and end up with unpressured request, "Please consider!" I am sure the manufacturers are just as passionate to sell their product as those with the louder, more action- packed ads. But "please consider!" This is worthy of your consideration! Don’t take it lightly! Think deeply about it! Make a careful, wise choice!
Psalm 5 is David’s prayer when he was exposed to danger by unscrupulous enemies. As he entreats the Lord to hear this morning prayer, he expresses his confidence in drawing near to God (who hates iniquity) and prays for divine leadership and blessing for the righteous, and destruction for the wicked.
His prayer is very much "Please consider!" - "Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my sighing. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray" (vv. 1-2).
It is both his experience and his confident expectation that the Lord does hear his prayers - "In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation" (v. 3). While he has no cause for doubt that the Lord will hear him on this occasion also, the repeated "in the morning" suggests the urgency of his request.
God takes no pleasure in evil. The wicked, the arrogant, the liars, bloodthirsty and deceitful men... are under the judgment of God (vv. 4-6, 9-10). Yet David doesn’t go on to recount his own virtues. He is depending on the "mercy" of God. That’s the basis for his humble approach into the presence of God (v. 7). He wants to be led in God’s righteousness. He is praying that the Lord will guide him in the way he wants him to go. Especially in view of those who lie in wait for him, "make straight your way before me" (v. 8).
David is taking refuge in the Lord, living under his protection. The going may seem very close at times, but there is cause to be glad, to sing for joy, to rejoice in the Lord (v. 11). "For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favour as with a shield" (v. 12).
Lord, please consider! Have there been times when we have approached God with that degree of intense immediacy? Lord, don’t take this lightly! Think deeply about it! Do something now, Lord! Even when we are sure God hears our requests, there are still occasions when our prayers take on a deep urgency.
But then the Lord says to us, Please consider! Consider my love, my mercy, my grace! Think deeply about the fact that you aren’t alone, that I am with you! You don’t need to panic - I am here for you! Please consider!
| Prayer: Dear Father, we come to you with urgency. Please consider our need!. Please hear our requests! And yet you call us to be still in the midst of our anxious busy-ness and to know that you are God - to consider your love, your mercy, your grace. You hear us, Lord! Help us to be glad, to sing for joy, to rejoice in you. In Jesus’ name, Amen. |
No more
the life of Eden!
Grief and pain
afflict
our mortal frame.
Doubt and fear
assail us -
no guarantee
that all are friends
out there.
And yet our Lord
with love and care
is there with us
so that in him
we still can be
safe and secure
in his grace.
For grace he came
to bear our guilt,
endure our pain.
In fallen world
is pain and fear.
We’re not alone -
for he is here!
Back to Sermons