Psalm 25 - 2.25.25
SCRIPTURE: PSALM 25:4 - 5
Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
OBSERVATION
This is a Psalm of David which shares his trust and faith in God. It was hard to choose which specific scripture of this Psalm to use because each and every part of it is wonderful. I love how David is so open and real about what he’s done in life (vs 7: Do not remember the sins of my youth) and in his praises (vs. 2: I trust in you; vs 8: Good and upright is the Lord; vs 10: All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful).
In reflection, this scripture is very similar to one of my favorite Psalms in 139:23-24 (which was also written by David):
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
APPLICATION
The heart of this scripture really points to being humble before the Lord. David is asking to be shown God’s ways, teach His paths, and to be guided in His truth. If David (or us) were not humble before the Lord, it would be impossible to ask for these things. It’s similar to when we think there’s no need to ask for instructions, directions, or input from those around us because in our own mind, we’ve got it all covered. That’s the opposite of being humble. It is very easily revert to the “I can do it myself” mentality. For me personally, I’m inquisitive and like to figure things out on my own but know my limitations. As an example, I tought myself how to work on computers (software and hardware) and how to do regular maintenance on my mom’s Chevy Vega (yes, cue the jokes). After gathering the right tools, I learned how to change the oil and do a tune up on the car. But if I needed to overhaul the engine, I knew that was beyond my abilities. Knowing your limitations is important in life but when it comes to anything relating to approaching the Lord’s throne, there’s no other way but in humbleness.
There are 73 references in the Bible where the word “Humble” is used. Many of them are in the Old Testament with 16 references in the New Testament. I guess the topic of being humble is important! One of my favorite scriptures about being humble is James 4:10 which says “ Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” James is referencing this because earlier in James 4:6 he quotes Proverbs 3:34 ““God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” I sure don’t want to be opposed by God and would rather have His favor.
God is willing to show us His ways, to teach us, to guide us down the path He has for our life, and to reveal all His truths. All it takes is a humble heart before God. We can then receive God’s hope – all day long – because of our humbleness before God.
PRAYER
Lord, I’m so thankful for your Word which comforts my heart. You, Lord, are the only one worthy. My trust is in you! Thank you for allowing me (and all of us) the opportunity to come before your throne, in humbleness, to ask for your help in following you, to teach me all that you want me to learn, and to guide me each step of my life’s journey. I need you, Lord, for everything. You are my all, my everything, my life. Help me to always be humble before you, to seek you for everything, and to never rely on anything other than you. In Jesus name! Amen
- Mary Oberg
