Psalm 25: Examining the Lord's Ways

Psalm 25

Examining the Lord's Ways

7. Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, Lord, are good.

11. For the sake of your name, Lord, forgive my iniquity, though it is great. 

12. Who, then, are those who fear the Lord? He will instruct them in the ways they should choose. 

In Psalm 25, David concludes with a confession to God, his real-life troubles, his enemies, and a prayer for protection.

David looks back on his younger days and repents. Though he doesn't confess specifically, he seeks forgiveness. Perhaps he thinks the cause of his suffering is due to his own sin. When we face painful and unbearable situations, don't we also unconsciously look back to see if we've done something wrong?

David, pursued by enemies, hungry, thirsty, and without a place to rest, must have looked back on his past countless times. As one who fears God, he likely checked and rechecked himself for any dishonesty, unfairness, injustice, lies, slander, or wrongdoing. David prays for forgiveness of his youthful days through God's loving kindness. He asks to be taught and led in the way he should go. He pleads to choose the path of one who fears the Lord. It seems like David's struggle to live a life that fears the Lord.

Fearing God, believing in Jesus, loving Jesus, becoming Jesus' disciple, being the Lord's child, being an heir to God's kingdom - do we have a struggle to maintain these precious graces we've received? What kind of struggle do we have? Are we constantly looking back and examining ourselves, checking if we're going the way the Lord directs, choosing and walking that path?

Lord God, help us live a life worthy of those who fear you. Let us examine and check ourselves, walking the path you teach. Holy Spirit, guide us in truth! Amen.