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
"To You I Lift Up My Soul"
These words nourish my soul in our difficult times. I recently ordered three books, all with "hope" in the title. It was nice to learn that I am not the only person struggling to find meaning in these dark days. We can identify with the psalmist's personal lament, but at the same time, we know the psalmist is mindful of the presence of God. Even though the psalmist waits (mentioned repeatedly in this psalm) all day long, there is also the promise of God's enduring presence, God's steadfast love and faithfulness that strengthen and uplift the writer.
Hope in the Lord! These are confident words that I need to hear at this time in my life. They are words I dare not keep to myself but which I can share "hopefully" this Advent. "To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul."
Prayer
Faithful God, in your promises I do place my hope this day — the promise of your steadfast love and your remaining with this world no matter what. In your strong name I pray. Amen.