Future-Minded

There are certain things in life that impact our walk and direction. For instance, inclement weather (snow, thunderstorms, tornado watch). How do you respond to that kind of weather?

Can you think of a time in your life when you made a decision that ended up being life-changing? In Psalm 25 we hear from David as he pleads to God to provide direction for his life. He wants to know the right path to take.

Psalm 25:1-10
Of David.
1 In you, Lord my God,
I put my trust.
2 I trust in you;
do not let me be put to shame,
nor let my enemies triumph over me.
3 No one who hopes in you
will ever be put to shame,
but shame will come on those
who are treacherous without cause.
4 Show me your ways, Lord,
teach me your paths.
5 Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
6 Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love,
for they are from of old.
7 Do not remember the sins of my youth
and my rebellious ways;
according to your love remember me,
for you, Lord, are good.
8 Good and upright is the Lord;
therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.
9 He guides the humble in what is right
and teaches them his way.
10 All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful
toward those who keep the demands of his covenant.

First, David declares his confidence in God rather than himself (vv1,2). Elsewhere in the Bible we hear of this confidence when it declares that God is “the author and perfector of our faith (Hebrews 12:2)”. It’s what He has done for us, not what we do for Him.

Interestingly, David uses the word shame 3 times in verses 2 and 3. We feel shame when we have done something wrong. David acknowledges that he has done wrong but steps forward in God’s forgiveness. He wants to live as forgiven, not condemned and that is exactly what God has done for us through Christ.

David asks for guidance on his path (v4,5). David knows he is called to serve God; he wants to understand how to serve. Can you relate to that? Most of us can! We have the will or desire to step in to God’s calling. We can trust that He will lead us, even as we pursue that search.
David reflects on the past (vv6,7) and acknowledges his present (v1). More importantly, he asks God for His future (vv4,5,9,10). We can too!

Closing Prayer: Dear Lord, we put our trust in You alone. Because of You, we embrace hope now, in the future, and for eternity. Show us Your ways and teach us Your paths. Guide us in Your truth. As You have erased the sins of our youth, help us not dwell on the past, but move forward along the path of hope in confidence. Guide us and teach us, we pray. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Adapted from Psalm 25:1-10