Psalm 25 – Day 1

Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. – Psalm 25:5 NLT

This is an amazing Psalm. Over and over again it reminds us that there is only one place we are to look for help, hope, healing, deliverance, direction, instruction, inspiration, mercy, forgiveness, and love. Whether things are going great or life has taken a turn for the worse, David tells us that, from his experience, God is worth trusting. In fact, all throughout this Psalm David uses the Hebrew word qavah, which means "to wait for, hope for, and to look eagerly for." There is a sense of anticipation and expectation built into the word. This is not about some hopeless resignation because there's nothing else we can do. It is an eager expectation based on God's reputation for righteousness, mercy, love, power, forgiveness, and salvation. David doesn't just pray for God's deliverance, he fully expects it.

David had a long-term perspective. He did not let current circumstances cloud or influence his understanding of God's faithful love and ability to deliver at just the right moment. He knew he could trust God to come through for him. But he knew more than just that God could deliver from trouble. He knew God could direct and guide, providing a clear understanding of what path to take in life. David's God didn't just protect his life, He pointed out the way to live a full and meaningful life. David asks God to "show me the right path" (Psalm 25:4 NLT). He isn't just asking God to point it out, but to clearly make it known so that there is no chance of mistake. David asks God to "lead me by your truth and teach me" (Psalm 25:5 NLT). The word translated "lead" carries the idea of God showing David where to place each footstep along the way. And David knows that God's direction comes from God's Word. The amazing thing is that David asks God to teach him. The word David uses for "teach" is the Hebrew word lamad, which means to strike with a rod or to chastise. It was a word used in reference to the training or discipline of cattle. David is inviting God to train him, even if God has to use a little physical discipline. When was the last time you asked God to teach you and not spare the pain?

How could David ask such a thing? He knew that his God was holy, just, righteous and good. "The Lord is good and does what is right" (Psalm 25:8 NLT). He "leads with unfailing love and faithfulness" (Psalm 25:10 NLT). David knew that God had his best interest in mind – all the time. Even in his worst moments, David knew that he could turn to God and God would understand, empathize, rescue, restore, teach, guide, discipline, and love him through it all. This Psalm reminds us that God is all-powerful, all-knowing, faithful, righteous, merciful, personal, forgiving, and completely worthy of our trust. David looked to God. He kept his eyes focused on God. But we live in a world where it is easy to focus our attention elsewhere. We can easily look to someone or something else to bring us peace, escape from pain, hope, happiness, wisdom, and protection. But none of those things can deliver. None of them can give us what we're looking for. They offer empty promises and always leave us with unfulfilled desires. But God delivers. God comes through. God always shows up, so David kept looking up. "My eyes are always on the Lord, for he rescues me from the traps of my enemies" (Psalm 25:15 NLT). Where are you looking today? Why not look up and eagerly wait for God to show up?

Father, this Psalm is so rich and jam-packed with insights into Your character. Help them to come alive in my life and experience. I want to look to You, rely on You, rest in You, wait on You, and eagerly hope in You. Because You are my God. Amen