PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Psalm 5
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“With you, evil people are not welcome.” (Psalm 5:4)
I was raised to believe that I was born sinful by nature.
But I’ve always questioned the idea that this makes me wicked or evil.
I sense there’s a difference between sinful nature and giving in to that nature.
This Psalm is not speaking about people who are sinful by nature – David is too.
The evil or wicked in mind are those who are bloodthirsty and deceitful (v.6).
They are fueling their sinful nature, willfully acting it out against others.
They have no qualms about abusing, cheating, mocking or killing others.
The issue is not whether we sin, but whether we gladly surrender to that sin.
God still loves them, but their malicious spirit and behaviour is not welcome.
God welcomes the sinner who wants better, who leans towards goodness but fails.
I am not sinless, but I hate the thought of giving in hurtful, hateful badness.
There are ways I sin without knowing it, and this bothers me too.
But I also know that by God’s great love I am welcome – if I want it (v.7).
In reverence I bow to Jesus – sinful as I am – and I lean towards his goodness.
PRAYER
Lord, though I am unjust, I hate injustice. Though I am unloving, I hate that I am unloving. I admit my sinful nature, but I refuse to surrender to it. I surrender to you Lord!
There is purpose in living the ‘right’ way. Not to be smug or arrogant or pious – that can be self serving – and put confidence in my actions rather than humbled and right in serving/loving my neighbour. The Psalmist writes: “Lead me, Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies—make your way straight before me.” Refraining from evil and serving the right – is to love my enemy and I hope set an example of genuine caring – lessons for walking in the right – not causing harm or revenge. Lord, grant me the patience and humble perseverance not to give in to revenge and paying back – but instead offer kindness and love while obeying the law and seeking what’s fair and just.