“No-one who hopes in You will ever be put to shame …” (Psalm 25:3a)
Read Psalm 25:1–10.
The writer of this psalm certainly knows a lot about the “Lord, my God” in whom he puts his trust. This is one of King David’s psalms, and he should know. David’s life was full of experiences that tested his relationship with God. From killing bears and lions while tending his father’s sheep (1 Samuel 17:34–37) to slaying Goliath and then taking on some of the largest neighboring armies around and defeating them also.
But David also had to learn some difficult life lessons. As a harpist, he supplied soothing music to a boss (King Saul) who didn’t always wake up on the right side of the bed and needed calming. There was also learning to dodge the occasional spear hurled his way (1 Samuel 18:10,11). David had to learn to trust an unlikely ally in the king’s son (Jonathan) and be guided by his spiritual mentors in the prophets Samuel and Nathan. He committed major adultery and murder and lost a child. All along, he could see God’s hand guiding him through life, teaching him lessons, revealing His plans and protecting him from his enemies.
By the time he wrote this psalm, he could write with a lot of confidence in what the “Lord, my God” had done for him. But David didn’t stop there, and neither should we. Whether God has answered a few prayers and revealed some amazing truths in your life, or whether you’re just starting out on your faith journey, these words are such an encouragement.
David is asking God to “show me Your ways, Lord” (verse 4), “guide me in Your truth and teach me” (verse 5) because his hope is in Him “all day long”. With all the praise due to His name and all the accolades David could shower upon his great God, this psalm encapsulates so much of God’s character from one who learned firsthand over many years.
Reflect on your life and journey with God, and then re-read the psalm and put yourself in David’s place. List what stands out to you.
Prayer
O Lord my God, I praise You for all the amazing ways that You protect, guide and strengthen Your people, especially me. I ask that You never stop creating in me a new and clean heart that forever sings Your praises.
Read all about King David’s life and be inspired by his journey with God in 1 Samuel 16 through 2 Samuel, and until 1 Kings 2:12.
Stay encouraged!
Pastor Mike
