David wrote Ps. 25 as an acrostic poem in which he cried out to the Lord to deliver him from various troubles 25:16, 17
“my problems go from bad to worse” 25:17 NLT. Ps. 25 reveals truths for us in our troubles too 25:22.
25:1-3 David knew where to turn for help. To trust is to put confidence in, to rely on. Shame was a public display of misplaced trust. David trusted the Lord and waited on him in faith. Biblical poetry is based on repeating ideas and truths. 25:1-3, 19-21 are like “bookends” that connect themes of enemies, soul, shame, trust, and wait.
We all experience times in life when we must wait. Forced waiting can produce frustration, anger, or anxiety. But trusting and waiting on the Lord produces blessings:
I. Closeness Ps. 25:3-5 (Jesus said abide in Me)
Wait means to hope in. It’s translated “gathered together” Gen. 1:9 NKJV, “looks” Job 7:2 NKJV, and “entwined” Ps. 25:3 TPT. Look to the Lord in faith and draw closer to him. This waiting is not passive; it’s pursuing.
Notice what David prayed in Ps. 25:3, 4 The word for show means to know and can range from knowing information to knowing someone in close relationship. David wanted to know the Lord’s ways, paths, and truth, by getting closer to him.
II. Obedience Ps. 25:8-10
If we trust God’s word and his goodness, we’ll do what he said. If we are humble, the Lord will teach us and lead us in his way, in paths of mercy and truth. God’s truth is reliable, trustworthy. “Truth” is made up of the first, middle and last letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Some rabbis teach that truth upholds the first and last of God’s creation, and everything in between.
We can stake our lives and our eternal destiny on the unchanging truth of God’s word.
III. Reverence Ps. 25:12-14
To fear the Lord is to have holy reverence and awe of him. It’s a healthy fear that refuses to take God lightly and keeps us close to him. Humility and holy reverence for God keep us teachable. Humility and holy reverence give us a heart to receive counsel from God’s word and the leading of His Spirit so we can live in his (prosperity) goodness.
IV. Forgiveness Ps. 25:6, 7, 11, 18; Isa. 43:25
God is good, loving, and merciful. That’s why he gave his Son to suffer and die on the cross. Jesus took the judgment and wrath of God against our sins for us. God forgives, cleanses, and releases us from our sins when we turn to him in repentance and faith.
The key to growing in Christlikeness, fruitful and victorious living, even in life’s troubles, is staying close to the Lord.
Ps 27:14 Do you know the Lord? How will you trust the Lord and wait close to him this week?