Scripture Reading(s)
Psalm 25:1-10
25:1 To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul.
25:2 O my God, in you I trust; do not let me be put to shame; do not let my enemies exult over me.
25:3 Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame; let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.
25:4 Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths.
25:5 Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long.
25:6 Be mindful of your mercy, O LORD, and of your steadfast love, for they have been from of old.
25:7 Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for your goodness’ sake, O LORD!
25:8 Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in the way.
25:9 He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.
25:10 All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his decrees.
Reflections
David was always surrounded by enemies. There was a long period in which he feared for his life and his overall safety. One thing we learn is that through this fear, he never forgets God’s loving protection over him. We all face many “enemies” and moments in our life when we feel as though the enemy has got a foothold of our hearts. David here is praying for protection against his enemies and is declaring God’s sovereign control over all.
He is recognizing that God is our ultimate source of refuge and our deliverer in moments when we feel anxious and afraid. David in this Psalm recognizes why he is afraid and turns to the one who can give him true comfort and peace. There might be times in our life when we fail to recognize what it is that is stirring up fear in our hearts or we might be too afraid to admit it. The first step to experiencing God’s loving and protecting hand is admitting what it is that is making us fearful and then like David, turning to God and leaving this burden at His feet.
David unashamedly seeks God with an open heart. He asks for protection, forgiveness of sins, and that his enemies would not win victory over him. We too should approach God with that same boldness and trust that God hears our prayers, understands our fears and will replace them with His overwhelming comfort and peace.
[Featured image from thedailyverses.blogspot.com]