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
The waiting is the hard part. And we are not good at waiting. Yet waiting is a common experience for the people of God in every generation. It is interesting, then, that the writer of this psalm pleads to God to “not let those who wait for you be put to shame.” Reflecting on the trials and troubles of his life, the psalmist expresses trust in the covenant relationship with God, never questioning God’s faithfulness. Like the psalmist, we who wait on God through faith are not disappointed, for God keeps God’s promises and remains faithful to us no matter what we are going through, no matter how long the waiting may be. Interesting, too, in addition to meaning “wait,” the Hebrew word used also means “hope.” In our waiting, then, we trust in God’s promises, and turn to God in hope, knowing that God is faithful.
Prayer
O God, we pray for your continued guidance as we wait for Jesus’ coming. No matter the trials that come our way or the difficulties we face, help us to firmly believe that you are present with us. Keep us faithful to you as you are true to your promises. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
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