Fence-Straddlers
READ: Psalm 5
Have you ever been accused of being a “fence-straddler?” Maybe you dragged your feet on making a decision, or couldn’t decide whose side to take in a debate between friends, or struggled to match your shoes to your outfit, or couldn’t decide which movie to go to.
Before God, there are no “fence-straddlers.” Either you believe in him or you don’t. As you read Psalm 5, it’s very clear that you either have God’s favor by grace through faith, or you've rejected it. The wicked and guilty will be banished and destroyed before God. The righteous, however, will be glad and joyful, and will receive the blessing and favor of God.
All of us are born into the world in wickedness. All of us sin on a daily basis, despite our best efforts. It’s pretty easy to get depressed reading this psalm, perhaps even fearful, because of the description of God’s wrath. But read verse 7 again! “But I, by your great mercy, will come into your house; in reverence will I bow down to your holy temple.” Those four short words “by your great mercy” go by pretty quickly, but they are the joy and peace of the believer. God shows his mercy to us by placing our sins on our Savior Jesus, and placing Jesus’ righteousness on us. And so we enjoy God’s blessing and protection. What a wonderful, loving God we have!
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: Why is it necessary to read and hear about God’s wrath toward sin? Why is it important to be reminded of his mercy? In what ways do you experience the joy and blessing of Christ every day?
THINGS TO PRAY ABOUT: Thank God for his rich mercy to you in forgiving your sins and providing for your every spiritual and physical need. Pray for strength to share the love of God with those who are experiencing the guilt of sin.