(Note: The graphics were generated using AI.)

Many voices are waiting for me in the morning. My phone has something to tell me. The news has something to tell me. My email inbox definitely has something to tell me. And sometimes, before my feet ever hit the floor, my own thoughts are already giving me a rundown of everything I need to do, everything that could go wrong, and everything I forgot to do yesterday.

Then this morning I read Psalm 5:1-3, and realized David begins his day differently than I do mine:

^“1Give ear to my words, O Lord; consider my groaning.
² Give attention to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to you do I pray.
³ O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for youand watch.”

Before David hears from the world, he talks to God. And he doesn’t come with a polished prayer. He asks God to listen to his words and to “consider my groaning” (v. 1). That encourages me because sometimes my prayers aren’t beautifully constructed sentences either. Sometimes they are scattered thoughts, and sometimes they are simply,  Lord, I don’t even know what to do with this. God hears those too.

Verse 3 contains another little phrase I don’t want to miss: “…and watch.” David prays—and then he watches. That challenges me. I can be very good at telling God what I need and then rushing into my day as though everything still depends on me. David lays his requests before God and then looks expectantly for what God will do.

Psalm 5 also reminds me why I can pray with such confidence. David spends several verses focusing on who God is—holy and righteous, opposed to wickedness, yet abundant in steadfast love. His confidence isn’t ultimately in the strength of his prayer, but in the character of the God who hears it.

Then comes the prayer I especially need: “Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness… make your way straight before me” (v. 8).

I often want God to do more than lead me. I want Him to show me the entire route. Where are we going? How long will it take? What’s around the next corner? And could I please have the itinerary in advance? But David doesn’t ask for the itinerary. He asks, “Lead me.” My faith shouldn’t be about knowing where the road is going. It should be about knowing the One who is leading me.

I don’t need to know everything God is going to do or see every turn in the road ahead. I need to begin my morning by talking to Him, trusting that He hears even the sighs I cannot put into words, asking Him to lead me, and then watching.

Before my inbox speaks, before the news speaks, before worry speaks, and before the world starts shouting, I want God to hear my voice. And then I want to spend the day listening for His.

Lord, before I listen to all the other voices competing for my attention, let me come to You. Hear my words and even my groaning. Lead me in Your righteousness and make Your way clear before me. Help me not only to pray, but to watch expectantly for Your hand throughout my day. May I take refuge in You and find my joy in who You are. Amen.