The Straight Way (Psalm 5)

There is a deep desire in most of us to be heard. We want others to consider our ideas, thoughts and suggestions as important and worthwhile. Like the little child saying, “Watch me” or “Listen to me,” we cry out to God begging for Him to listen to our hearts. David wanted God to hear his groaning (v.1). He wanted God to listen to his cry (v.2). Every morning, he cried out to the Lord for guidance (v.3). He knew that God would hear His children (and He still does).

What about those who are not faithful to God? God doesn't take pleasure in the wickedness or evil (v.4). David declared, “You hate all workers of iniquity” (v.5). The Psalmist said that there are consequences for those who are sinful, who lie, who are bloodthirsty and who are deceitful (v.6). No, it isn't politically correct to say that God is not pleased with everyone...but it is the truth. Sin is sin because God said it is sin. Man’s opinion is not the standard on what is right and wrong.

Too often we try to do everything our own way. Like those in Judges 17:6, many in our world do whatever is right in their own eyes. Those who choose to make their own path in this world rather than submitting to God’s will are losing the greatest blessing they could ever have: the ear of the God of heaven who is ready to listen and help His children. Those who choose their own path have gone away from the path that would take them to heaven.

Rather than taking matters into our own hands, we must submit to God and follow Him. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Prov. 3:5,6).  

This being the case, we need to walk where the Lord leads us and guides us through His word (Ps. 119:105). The Lord will lead us in righteousness and provides for us the straight way (v.8; Cf: Ps. 23; Matt. 7:13,14). Then, as His faithful children, we can cry out for Him to listen and He will hear us. We will be able to cast our cares, worries, fears and burdens on Him because He cares for us (1 Pet. 5:7).

If you are not walking along the straight way, let me help you start heading in the right direction.