Psalm Five: Silent Night, Holy Morning

"Give ear to my words, O LORD,
consider my sighing.
Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God,
for to you I pray.
In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation." v. 1-3


I found it interesting the progression from chapter four to five.

Keeping silent
Sleeping knowing God is in control
Asking God to listen
Sighing
Crying to a God who is Sovereign
Acknowledging that God is listening
Requesting
Waiting
Expecting

It is interesting what perspective can bring when God sheds his light on our suffering and turns it into something that glorifies Himself.

In this drawing, the smooth path represents the way we know we are supposed to go that is directed by God's leading toward Himself (the sun). However, we are forced to go through a deep dark time represented by the trees. In them are hidden words such as "pain, doubt, why, etc." The morning sun is dispelling clouds, or the night's darkness that appears to be surrounding us.

Psalm One: Yielding Fruit in Season

"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked...v.1
He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yeilds its fruits in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers...v.3
For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous." v. 6a


God, you promise that our ways will prosper if we surround ourselves with Godly influences and are planted firmly in the truth of Your Word. While I am always promised abundant sustenance for my soul, the evidence of Your work in my life will only be revealed in Your timing. It is frustrating to know that You are working and growing me, and that evidence is not yet seen. And yet, you bring me hope knowing that I have more to look forward to.

My sister, Robin, who is quite possibly one of the most talented writers I know, wrote a sonnet that reminds me of the Psalm.

I've heard it said, "The fruit defines the tree."
What shall we say when branch and leaf and root
Are all the measure that our eyes can see?
How shall we name the tree without the fruit?
We may be tempted to assign the blame
Of lacking crop to inactivity
And say the tree does not deserve a name
If idle is what it decides to be.
But if this is our verdict, we despise
The very work by which the fruit is won:
How desperately the root for water cries,
How faithfully the sapling seeks the sun.
If day by day, the tree is slowly grown
In season, by its fruit it will be known.

By Robin M.G. Lawrenz