Expect God to Answer (Psalm 5:3)

As the morning ushers in the break of day, David moves from a posture of prayer to a progress of trust. The key to the verse is that when you pray, expect God to answer. The idea is that I will pray, and then I will look up, watch, and see what God will do in response to my prayer. Prayers often go unanswered because they are delivered to God’s throne room on the wings of doubt. In verse 3, David adds that he prays and watches. He was consistent in prayer and watchful for an answer. He was consistent and expectant, watching for an answer to his prayer, symbolized as a guard on a watchtower diligently watching for whoever or whatever was approaching.

The New International Version (NIV) reads, “In the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” The International Standard Version (ISV) translates, “In the morning I will watch for your answer.” The New King James Version (NKJV) renders this verse in this wise: “In the morning I will direct it to You, And I will look up.” Therefore, we are presented with the image of David offering his prayer and looking all around him for the answer. The psalmist, David, offers a prayer in faith, not doubt. He is offering a prayer in hope, not hopelessness. He is offering a prayer in belief, not unbelief.

Prayer is like taking a flight. You may experience some turbulence in your life—but keep praying. You may face challenges from one place to another—but keep praying. You may face opposition and difficulties on this journey—but keep praying. You may have disappointments and setbacks—but keep praying. Since you are already on board, this is not the time to stop praying. Somewhere between takeoff and landing, the captain of our soul will tell us that you are making your final descent toward your answered prayer. You should not only thank the Lord for the arrival at your prayer destination, but you can also give Him thanks for the in-flight comfort, peace, and assurance.