Where do we turn in the time of need? Psalm 25 was written sometime during the period of Absalom’s rebellion. The underlying theme of this Psalm is guidance. David’s circumstances are dire but he realizes that his only hope is to turn to God for protection and direction. Abraham Lincoln once said, “I have often been driven to God by the overwhelming sense that I had nowhere else to turn.”
There are times in life when we are surrounded by troubles on every hand. David was surrounded by his enemies. They hated him, they laid traps for him, and they wanted him to fail.
It has well been said, “When the outlook is bleak, try the uplook.” Out of desperation David flung himself on the mercy of God. He was facing a life threatening situation that needed a God-sized intervention. Life can be extremely difficult at times and you might not be able to see the victory that God has for you in midst of the trial.
Sometimes the problem is that we are looking in so many other directions or we are living life to the fullest and God is not part of the equation. Life has a way of helping us to get the right perspective and get our focus back where it needs to be. David was at that place were God had his attention and he was willing to look at his life objectively and make the proper changes.
In verses 4 and 5 David desires to learn from his circumstances. Someone said, “A mind too proud to learn is not fit to be taught of God.” David has realized he is not in a proper state of mind to trust himself. He has been here before and knows what will happen if he looks within himself to try to find the wisdom to get himself out of this mess.
I think there are three basic things that we must to do in order to walk in the victory that God has for us. First, we must release ourselves to God in open confession that we desperately need His help. You must admit exactly where you are in life. David was quick to admit that he had failed in life. He went clear back to the days of his youth and in several verses he acknowledges the vastness and depth of his sin.
Secondly, we must rely upon God and His Word. In Proverbs 3:5-6 the scripture says, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” It has been said, “The more you know God’s Word the better you will know God.” That is so true. How can we know His will if we don’t know Him?
Thirdly, we must be ready to follow as God leads. Wherever He leads we must be willing to follow. In verse 14 God gives us some keen insight into knowing and doing the will of God. He says, “The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.” I truly believe if you and I will walk in the fear of the Lord and keep our relationship were it needs to be with the Lord, God will pull us aside and let us in on what His plans are. He will give us the guidance that we need.
David closed out this passage in verse 21 by stressing the importance of walking in righteousness and integrity. He understood that “the steps of a righteous man are ordered by the Lord.” If you and I will maintain our relationship with the Lord, God will go before us giving us the direction and the protection that we need. Where are you in life today? Are there some immediate steps that you need to take in order to get back to where you need to be?
Bro. Terry