Psalm 25:1-10 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 25:1-10 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
Verse 2O my God, in you I trust; do not let me be put to shame; do not let my enemies exult over me.
Verse 3Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame; let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.
Verse 4Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.
Verse 5Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long.
Verse 6Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love, for they have been from of old.
Verse 7Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for your goodness' sake, O Lord!
Verse 8Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way.
Verse 9He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.
Verse 10All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his decrees.
Devotion
This pleading prayer to God, that God would remember to be merciful and just, and that God would keep God’s promises to be about love and faithfulness, seems a bit odd. Of course, God, being God, would be about the promise to grant mercy and forgiveness! Perhaps the psalmist has gotten into a heap of trouble, seeing the only way out of the present torment being to turn finally to God.
Or… maybe the psalmist is instead simply lifting up the reminder that God is indeed to be trusted, that God will remain steadfast through all of life’s struggles, temptations, griefs and pains. Even as God promises to be with and guide them, God will give them the strength, patience and courage to love God and work at keeping God’s commandments in return.
Prayer
Gracious and faithful Creator, help me always to trust you completely. When I forget that you are near in your love and faithfulness, send emissaries of your kindness and mercy to remind me that you always keep your promises. Amen.
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