Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 5:9-12
Ps 5:9-12
For there is no truth in their mouth; their inmost self is destruction; their throat is an open grave; they flatter with their tongue. Make them bear their guilt, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; because of the abundance of their transgressions cast them out, for they have rebelled against you. But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield.
1 Cor 13:7
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
The Psalmist says that God is our shield and that he spreads his protection over us. Paul says that love bears all things and the word in the original is that love covers all things. Peter says that love covers a multitude of sins. The Lord is our shield in the battles of life, he covers us with his hand of love to protect us from all evil. But this promise is only for those who seek him and serve him.
In this psalm we see the desire for God to be glorified as God. His prayer is that those who are righteous will prosper and those who are not will receive the just punishment they deserve from God. We should encourage others to do what is right and then leave room for the wrath of God and his vengeance. He knows the hearts of all of us and he will judge accordingly. In his justice, he will punish the one who is proud or impenitent and will reward the righteous one.
Love covers and protects. Just like the hen will spread its wings over her chicks to protect them from danger above, the Lord sees our dangers and protects us. We should have that same kind of love so that we want to protect others from danger. While it is not our place to meddle or try to control others, when we see them in danger, we will warn them by pointing out the dangers they face. But even more, when we see them discouraged, we will do all we can to lift them up and give them hope. There is nothing that destroys people more than doubt and fear. This often shows itself in the form of depression. Instead of being critical or abusive, we need to cover them, protect them, and lift them up with hope.
O Lord God, thank you for your cover, your protection, and for being my shield when I face the battles in life. Life is often overwhelming, and I just want to give up and quit, even when in my mind I know this is not the right thing for me to do. When I cannot see any way of relief in my mind, it is easy for me to forget that Jesus is the Way, he is the relief that I need. Help me keep my eyes on him and on the things above where he is seated at your right hand. Use me to protect and encourage others and to honor you in so doing. In Jesus name I pray.
Robert
