A psalm of David.

 ¹ O LORD, I give my life to you. 
    ² I trust in you, my God! 
   Do not let me be disgraced, 
      or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat. 
 ³ No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced, 
      but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others.

 ⁴ Show me the right path, O LORD; 
      point out the road for me to follow. 
 ⁵ 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. 
 ⁶ Remember, O LORD, your compassion and unfailing love, 
      which you have shown from long ages past. 
 ⁷ Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth. 
      Remember me in the light of your unfailing love, 
      for you are merciful, O LORD.

Psalm 25:1- 7, NLT

I don’t think we fully grasp the reality of eternal things. The church seems oblivious and amnesic about a world that is more real than this one we see. Perhaps we’re befuddled by the cares and concerns of this present life, not seeing what is truly significant. We really must have a touch by the Holy Spirit to deliver us from this malaise.

This is the beginning  part of Psalm 25, written by David. We are sincerely blessed to have this to ponder and apply. Examining it prayerfully we discover things that we need. It’s a lot like one of those RPG games. We need to collect things and store them, to make our way through the maze. If we miss something, we will know it.

This psalm is a Hebrew acrostic poem; each verse begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Quite imaginative, and showing considerable literary skill.

Commentary

V. 1, 2, David has made a decision. He has given himself over to God. This means that he is now God’s possession. A trust is secured between him and God. David expresses a confidence in the Lord’s ability to hold him securely.

V. 3,  “No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced.” This is a bold statement of faith. The two key words here are “trust” and “disgrace”. But the real thought is the stark boldness behind this statement.  He articulates and asserts that anyone who trusts will be taken care of. It is a public declaration that effects everyone. But just as valid, is the certainty of disgrace to all would practice deception.

V. 4, We see a heart that understands his need for guidance. David wants a map of the Spirit, to find his way. But perhaps more; he wants a guide.

V. 5, “Guide me in Your truth and faithfulness and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You [You only and altogether] do I wait [expectantly] all the day long”  Amplified Bible.

We really need to become teachable. David has a pliable heart. He wants to be lead, and savors God’s instruction. This really is a keystone component to spiritual growth. David is the student, the Lord is the teacher.

V. 6,   7.  Perhaps these verses will open with the word “remember.” (It’s used 3x in these two verses.) Remembering has the idea of both retaining and recalling. David asks God to recall his own character; of love and faithfulness. The psalmist also asks that God will not recall his sin- “the rebellious sins of my youth.”

So much faith is expressed in these verses. David reveals his sincere heart for all who want reality. He helps us understand what is really important.

Related articles

• Having 20/20 Vision: Psalm 25:8-14 (psalmslife.com)
• Scripture of the Day, 3/17/2012, Psalm 25 (blogginghounds.wordpress.com)
• There is No One Like You: Psalm 138 (psalmslife.com)