Have you ever had someone that you were counting on, depending on to help or come to your aid, and then they never showed up, never helped you as promised? Perhaps you had boasted or bragged to some others about how great this friend of yours was, who was going to help. But now there is nothing, and you feel ashamed or embarrassed. “Where’s this wonderful friend of yours? I thought you said that he would come to help you. Well, where is he? He doesn’t seem so great now, does he?” are comments these people tell you. Our psalm today speaks of a similar type of situation. Let’s see what we can learn from this portion of God’s Word.
Psalm 25 is a psalm that was written by King David. It was possibly written later in his life, perhaps during the time of his son’s rebellion, as David mentioned the “sins of his youth”. Regardless of when he wrote it, he knew he needed God’s help to get through some troubles he was going through, so he cried out to Him (vs. 1). David also knew that his enemies were watching. They were watching him closely, and knew that David always prayed to the Lord. David did not want to feel ashamed or embarrassed that he had depended and counted on God for help, and then God did not come through. He felt that would make God look bad in the eyes of his enemies. Thus he prayed that God would come through for him, not just for his own sake, but also for the sake of His own reputation (vs. 2-3).
When troubles and trials come our way, who do we look to for help? Who can we trust? Our success or failure often depends on who we place our trust in. David knew this well, as he had spent many years of his life in one sort of trouble or another, and here we read that he put his trust in Yahweh. He put his full confidence in God’s character and promises. This was spiritual warfare, as so many of our trials are as well, and we can trust the Lord to vindicate us and not allow the enemy, whether Satan or worldly opposition, to triumph.
David was waiting on the Lord for a response from Him for some type of help in his moment of need (vs. 3). How often have we prayed for God’s help, and nothing seems to happen, we receive no word or sign of help, and we give up? David might have gotten a little anxious now and then, but he never gave up hope. We need to wait patiently, with faith and obedience. Those who are faithful will be honored, while the rebellious will be ashamed.
When we go through difficult times or serious trials, it is important who we turn to for advice or help. David knew to turn to the Lord and not from any worldly wisdom (vs. 4-5). On his own he didn’t know where to go or what to do. He needed God to show him the way ahead, so he prayed for God’s direction. When we pray for direction like David did, God will always show us the path ahead. David sought for instruction and guidance from God, and not the world because he knew that God’s guidance is truth. We need God’s guidance all through the day as we face the challenges of life. We can find that truth in God’s Word, which is truth (John 17:17), and not in the varying cultural trends of the day. David looked to God for direction. His heart’s desire was to wait for God with dependent faith throughout the entire day. It is impossible to exercise trust in God if we fail to wait upon Him for guidance and direction.
David knew that he could depend on Yahweh for any help he needed. He knew that God’s character, His mercy and loving- kindness, is eternal (vs. 6). In our own struggles, it is futile to depend on our own merits or those of anyone else. Instead we need to appeal to God’s unchanging nature. He also knew that he needed to keep a clean record before the Lord, free from all known sin (vs. 7). He acknowledged his past and sought forgiveness from all sins. True repentance includes confession and forsaking sin (Proverbs 28:13), When we do, God has promised He will forgive (I John 1:9).
God promises to teach and guide the penitent and the meek (vs. 8-9). Meekness is strength under control. It is someone who is willing to submit to the authority of God. If we are all puffed up with our own self-importance, God will not guide us. Proud people don’t care for His guidance anyway, and usually don’t ask for His forgiveness. Humility is essential to receive the Lord’s help and guidance.
In closing this segment of the psalm, David acknowledged that following the paths of God and not his own will bring him mercy and truth. This is only the case for those who walk in obedience to Him. Blessings come through faithfulness to the Lord. Some of God’s paths for us are rough and rugged. Others are tedious and boring. However, all are filled with His love and faithfulness. The path He chooses for us may have obstacles, but He will lead us. God’s path is best for us, and when we trust Him, we can depend on Him to come through for us.
No comments:
Post a Comment