Joy Among Liars (Psalm 5)

Psalm 5:1-12; 11

"But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy" (Ps 5:11, NLT).

Psalm 5 is a lament and a prayer petitioning the Lord in the midst of distress. Why was the psalmist distressed? The psalmist's distress is caused by liars and deceitful speech. However, the psalmist also expresses trust and finding refuge in the Lord's protection.

Lies hurt. The devil is the father of lies (Jn 8:44). The destiny of all liars is the second death (Rev 21:8). James understood how destructive lying words can be (Jas 3:5-6). We have all experienced that when lies are spread about you, it wounds, disheartens and devastates you. David experienced devastating lies said about him (Ps 4:2; 5:6, 9). If he allowed the words of liars to get to him he would become bitter and crushed. He would have retaliated in anger and rage. But when he took refuge in the Lord, he found joy amidst the scathing lies (Ps 5:11).

The following Psalms have so far been considered:

1. The Happy (1:2): A person's happiness depend on how they live and what they think about (1:1-2).
   
2. The Sovereign (2:6): God's sovereign rule can never be thwarted, despite the foolish constant opposition from ego-driven rulers and the nations (2:1-3).
3. The Confident (3:6): The psalmist was remarkably confident and fearless, despite having heavy odds stacked against him.
4.  The Peaceful (Ps 4:7-8): Despite being discouraged by liars, angry people and fatalistic people, the psalmist found joy, peace, good sleep and deep rest through prayer.
   

Five strophes (sections or divisions in a poem) in Psalm 5:

1. Coming to God (1-3): Morning prayer.
2. Affirming God's Character (4-6): God is just.
3. Experiencing Reconciliation (7-8): Enter God's presence.
4. Explaining Liars (9-10): Liars never prevail.
5. Finding Refuge (11-12): Take refuge in God.
   

References:

1. Motyer, J Alec. The Psalms. New Bible Commentary. Downers Grove, Illinois: Intervarsity Press, 1994.
2. Kidner, Derek. Psalms 1 - 72: An Introduction and Commentary. Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries. Downers Grove, Illinois: Intervarsity Press, 1973.
3. Zemek, George. Road Maps for the Psalms: Inductive Preaching Outlines Based on the Hebrew Text. Valencia, CA: The Master's Academy International, 2006. (Psalm 5: Help Me and Harm Them!!)