Where do you go when life seems to close in on you? Who can you turn to and trust when your heart is troubled and you feel isolated and alone?
The circumstances of life may seem random, but the Lord's faithfulness is constant, continuous, and he can be trusted at all times.
He alone can make sense of what seems like chaos and randomness. When a person is willing to humble themselves and trust in the Lord, He will reveal the purpose of His ways.
Scripture
By David.
To you, O Lord, I lift my soul. I trust you, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame. Do not let my enemies triumph over me. No one who waits for you will ever be put to shame, but all who are unfaithful will be put to shame. [vss 1-3]
Make your ways known to me, O Lord, and teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me because you are God, my savior. I wait all day long for you. Remember, O Lord, your compassionate and merciful deeds. They have existed from eternity. Do not remember the sins of my youth or my rebellious ways. Remember me, O Lord, in keeping with your mercy and your goodness. [vss 4-7]
The Lord is good and decent. That is why he teaches sinners the way they should live. He leads humble people to do what is right, and he teaches them his way. Every path of the Lord is ⌊one of⌋ mercy and truth for those who cling to his promise and written instructions. For the sake of your name, O Lord, remove my guilt, because it is great. [vss 8-11]
Who, then, is this person that fears the Lord? He is the one whom the Lord will teach which path to choose. He will enjoy good things in life, and his descendants will inherit the land. The Lord advises those who fear him. He reveals to them the intent of his promise. My eyes are always on the Lord. He removes my feet from traps. [vss 12-15]
Turn to me, and have pity on me. I am lonely and oppressed. Relieve my troubled heart, and bring me out of my distress. Look at my misery and suffering, and forgive all my sins. See how my enemies have increased in number, how they have hated me with vicious hatred! [vss 16-19]
Protect my life, and rescue me! Do not let me be put to shame. I have taken refuge in you. Integrity and honesty will protect me because I wait for you. Rescue Israel, O God, from all its troubles! [vss 20-22]
(Psalm 25:1-22 GW) [Context– Psalm 25]
Key phrase— Make your ways known to me, O Lord, and teach me your paths
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Digging Deeper...
Review the Scriptures above as you answer the following questions
How does this prayerful psalm begin? What is said in confident trust, and what is requested?
What does David ask God to remember? What does he ask God to forget, and how are these related?
What assurances are expressed for those who trust and respect (fear) the Lord?
What does David say regarding his own life situation, and what is his final request?
Reflection...
Here's a simple reality of life—at times people let us down, and at times we disappoint others. And then, we also let our selves down, especially in times of failure.
This is why our trust needs to be in the One who is ever-faithful—God.
Try as we may, we can't make everything right when we fail, nor can we stop the ripple effect of our failure from affecting others.
This is where we need God's forgiveness and God's restoration. Thankfully, He delights in extending forgiveness and restoration to all those who would trust in Him in every way and in all things.
Once restored and forgiven, we need to continue in the path of the good and right life God makes known to us. We can only do this through faith—putting complete and utter trust in God daily.
Make it personal...
Read through the Scripture text again as you consider and answer these questions
How do you handle failure in your life, whether it's your own or someone in your life?
Do you have confidence in God's forgiveness when you've asked for it?
How have humility and trust been key to the restorative work of God in your life?
How have you seen God make His purpose clear for your life as you trusted Him beyond your life circumstances?
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