Psalm 5-7 June 22 - July 5, 2017

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Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things

out of thy law.Psalms 119:18

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1. Why is it so important to start one’s day with prayer? How does this set the tone for the rest of the day? What has prayer looked like in your life in the past? Currently? What does calling on the Lord mean to you?

2. In Psalm 5, how did David model for us how a mature and faithful Christian needs to be? What can we model and teach others? Prayerfully consider what God would have you to share with someone. What gives us the strength and courage to do so?

3. In Psalm 6, what key words describe David’s condition? What requests does David make of God? What statements toward the end of the Psalm show David’s hope and confidence in God? Are you honest with God in your prayers?Will you put your trust in God during trials?

4. Why is it that waiting on God can be frustrating on our timing? How will it help if we let God be the Judge and Vindicator and wait on Him? How has God been your refuge and strength? How is He your shield, no matter what is happening?

5. Why should we praise and give thanks to God when our life is a mess? What will this do? How will it make you feel? How can we do this when the good ending is not seen?

With the Word Bible CommentaryPSALM 5

When he served in King Saul’s court, David was often attacked by some of Saul’s officers who flattered the king and lied about David (vv. 4–6, 9). King Saul actually believed that David was trying to steal the throne. When people lie about you, follow David’s example and pray about the matter. Note his requests.

Hear me (1–6). David began the day with his heart lifted up to God. God knew the sinful words of the liars, but He also heard the believing prayers of His servant.

Lead me (7–8). David had to be careful because Saul and his leaders were watching him and his life was in danger. He worshiped God and asked for God’s daily direction.

Protect me (9–10). David did not fight Saul or Saul’s men; he left those battles to the Lord. He trusted God to care for him, and God did not fail.

Bless me (11–12). Protection is the last thing named (v. 12). Beyond that, David was blessed with joy, confidence, and a deeper love for the Lord. Times of suffering can be times of growing if we let the Lord have His way.

PSALM 6This psalm grew out of an experience of sickness and pain, when David thought he

was going to die. Besides that, he had to put up with the attacks of his enemies who wanted him to die. It was a time of deep discouragement for David, but he did not waver in his faith.

As he prayed, he asked for mercy for his body (vv. 1–2) and his soul (vv. 3–5). Mercy means that God does not give us what we deserve, and grace means that He gives us what we do not deserve. What a loving God He is!

David reminded God of his tears of repentance and confession (vv. 6–7). His bed should have been a place of rest, but it had become a place of trial as God chastened him.

But there is a happy ending: David was assured and his enemies were ashamed (vv. 8–10)! God heard and answered his prayers! When the night is dark and long, keep on trusting, and the dawn will come in God’s good time. ________________________________________________

The Penitential PsalmsPsalms 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, and 143 are known as “The Penitential Psalms.” You may use these psalms as your own prayers when you want to confess sin and ask for God’s forgiveness (1 John 1:9). ________________________________________________

PSALM 7We do not know what Cush said about David, but apparently he was one of the “court

liars” who flattered Saul and made life difficult for David (1 Sam. 24:9). When you have a “Cush” in your life, do what David did.

Be honest with God (1–5). David did not say that the enemy was telling the truth, but he was willing for God to examine him and punish him. He had nothing to hide.

Let God be the judge (6–13). It is wise to let God be the judge because His judgment is always right (1 Cor. 4:3–5). We do not see ourselves and others as He sees, so it is best to turn the matter over to Him. David was careful to maintain his integrity (v. 8) and let God be his defense (v. 10).

Wait on the Lord (14–16). Sin has a way of bringing its own punishment if we wait long enough. It is like giving birth to pain and trouble (v. 14; James 1:14–15), falling into a pit (v. 15), or getting back the trouble that they tried to impose on others (v. 16).

Give God thanks (v. 17). What does it matter that men slander us, so long as the righteousness of God prevails and the name of the Lord is glorified!

Nehemiah lets the fear of the Lord guide his decision-making, resulting in justice and generosity. How have you seen justice and generosity operating within the body of believers? What specific steps could you take to demonstrate fairness and generosity in your key relationships with family and friends?

Study Questions for Psalm 5-7