TRUST-Psalm 25
Trust (Trusting God in Times of Trouble). “In you, Lord my God, I put my trust. I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause” (Ps 25:1-3)
Pleading (Desperation). “Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. Relieve the troubles of my heart and free me from my anguish. Look on my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins” (Ps 25:16-18).
Guilty (In trouble and feeling guilt for his sin). “Do not remember the sins [ḥaṭṭā’āṯ] of my youth and my rebellious ways [pešaʿ]…” “For the sake of your name, Lord, forgive my iniquity [ʿāôn], for it is great” (Ps 25:7, 11).
- Enemies and adversities are seldom absent from a Davidic psalm.
- Ps 25 is an individual lament psalm and a prayer of confidence (Ps 25:1-3, 8-15).
- The adversities mentioned and detailed are of a general nature (Ps 25:15-21) and and thus have broad application to anyone going through trials, tribulations and temptations.
- Forgiveness is a motif throughout (Ps 25:6-7, 11, 18).
- Why should you trust God (Ps 25:1-2; 86:4; Pro 3:5-6, Isa 26:3; 40:31)? Are you as confident as the psalmist (Ps 25:3)?
- How do you seek God’s guidance and instruction in your daily life (Ps 25:4-5; Jas 1:5)? Why is it important to ask God to show you His ways (Ps 119:105, Jn 14:6; 16:13)?
- Why should you remember God’s mercy and love (Ps 25:6, 10a; Jer 31:3; Exo 34:6-7; Lam 3:22-23; Rom 8:28)?
- Why should you ask God to not remember your past [and present] sins (Ps 25:7; Heb 8:12; 1 Jn 1:9)? Does he (Ps 103:11-12)? Do we (Ps 51:3)? Why should you ask for forgiveness for God’s name sake (Ps 25:11; Eze 36:22-23)?
- What instruction and guidance from God might you need (Ps 25:8-9; 1:1-2)? Why should you be humble (Ps 25:9b; Jas 4:6, 1 Pet 5:5-6)?
- How do you keep the demands of God’s covenant (Ps 25:10b; Dt 7:9, Heb 10:23)?
- Why is fearing God a blessing (Ps 25:12-15; Pro 1:7; 9:10)?
- Who does God confide in (Ps 25:14; Jn 15:14-15; Lk 18:13-14)?
- How can keeping your eyes on God help you avoid the snares of life (Ps 25:15; 34:7, Isa 41:10)?
- What emotions does David describe in his struggles (Ps 25:16-19)? How will this help you in times of anguish, distress and loneliness (Ps 34:17-18, Phil 4:6-7; 1 Pet 5:7)?
- How can integrity and uprightness protect you amid adversity (Ps 25:20-21; Prov 11:3)? Why is it important to take refuge in God amidst our struggles (Ps 91:1-2; Prov 2:7-8, 1 Pet 3:16)?
- Why does David end with a prayer for Israel (Ps 25:22; 130:7-8)? How can you incorporate prayers for your community and nation in your personal prayers (Jer 29:7; Rom 11:26-27; 1 Tim 2:1-2)?
- How does Ps 25:1 point to Christ? [“O Lord, I give my life to you” (NLT). “To you, O Lord, I lift up soul” (ESV, KJV, Motyer).]
- Jesus is the ultimate one who trusted God (Lk 23:46; Ps 31:5), gave hs entire life to God (Mk 10:45) and lifted up his entire being and soul to God by fully obeying God’s will (Jn 4:34; 5:30; 6:38; 8:26; 10:18; 12:49-50; 14:30-31; 15:10).
Outline:
- Trust amidst troubles (Ps 25:1-3). I trust you.
- Plea for guidance (Ps 25:4-5) and forgiveness (Ps 25:6-7). Teach me your ways.
- Praise for God’s goodness (Ps 25:8-10). God is good. The humble are those God guides.
- Pivotal prayer: “For the sake of your name, Lord, forgive my iniquity, though it is great” (Ps 25:11; 23:3). {ʿāôn [‘avon] – intentional sin; action that is crooked or wrong.}
- Assurance for guidance (Ps 25:12-15). God blesses the righteous. Those who fear God are instructed and blessed.
- Final plea for relief from affliction and distress (16-21). Lord, help me and Israel.
- Communal plea (Ps 25:22).
Trust in the Lord
- Guidance and Instruction
- Remembering God’s Mercy and Love
- Humility and Guidance
- Covenant and Faithfulness
- Forgiveness and Reverence
- God’s Protection and Prosperity
- Prayer for Deliverance
- Integrity and Uprightness
- Final Prayer for Israel
