Today's Scripture:
Psalm 25: 2-10
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.
Show me your ways, LORD,
teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
Remember, LORD, your great mercy and love,
for they are from of old.
Do not remember the sins of my youth
and my rebellious ways;
according to your love remember me,
for you, LORD, are good.
Good and upright is the LORD;
therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.
He guides the humble in what is right
and teaches them his way.
All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful
toward those who keep the demands of his covenant.
Read: Reflect on a story in your life that pertains to this scripture.
Psalm 25:2-10
To me, this psalm of David speaks of God “having his back”, in spite of his enemies’ attacks on him, and to the point of God shaming them. I do believe that a key point here is David requesting the Lord to lead him in truth and to teach him, in spite of the sinful things that he’s done in the past. David believes in, and calls on God’s mercy for all sinners, who humble themselves and then turn and follow His path.
Reflect: What is this scripture telling you during this season?
This scripture reminded me of a time when I was talking with a fellow engineering student (coincidentally named David), after an all day grueling test. I was anticipating gathering with friends to enjoy some adult beverages that evening and asked David what his plans were, thinking that he would be pursuing like-minded activities. His reply was that he was planning to meet up with some of the small group members from the campus Christian group that he was a part of for some bible study and worship time. Initially thinking that he was pulling my leg, I laughed in his face.
I was already a believer, but my laughter may have been perceived as a shame-inducing act for that strong Christian young man whose plan that evening was to humbly seek out the Lord in order to “learn what is right and discern His ways.” The fact was that I was greedily seeking to feed my own desires after that tough test, and in this case, I was the one put to shame for my reaction and I have carried that memory with me for 35 years.
Respond: How is this scripture calling you to respond?
The good news for me, of course, is that God “instructs sinners in the way” and “leads the humble in what is right”; and so there is hope for even me after I’ve acknowledged what I am, and what I’ve done and then humbly turned back from the course I once was on.
Thank you Lord, for your mercy and love, and that you have chosen to overlook the sins of my youth and my transgressions, because I responded to the saving sacrifice of Jesus!
About Tom Gottschalk:
Fulfilling the roles of child of God, husband to Jenny, and father to Colby, Cooper, & Caty.
35 years