Faith in Action
This psalm is a great picture of the faithful believer’s life. There are prayers for help in the midst of trouble (1-7), praise for the confidence we have in the Lord (8-15), and petitions for protection in troubling circumstances (16-22); all with an over arching trust in the LORD.
The psalm begins with prayer for help (1-7). He declares that God is trustworthy, even in the midst of difficulties (25:1-3). All believers who hope in God will be vindicated, and their enemies will be ashamed. In the midst of these difficulties, David prays that God would give him the knowledge necessary to live in accordance with God’s will (4-5). As he seeks to honour God with his life, he prays that God would act in love and compassion and forgive him of his transgressions (6-7).
David then praises God and expresses His confidence in the Lord (8-15). God is good and just and gives His word to instruct mankind in righteousness. God is faithful to His covenant promises and His word can be trusted with confidence (8-11). Believers can confidently expect that those who love the Lord and obey His word (fear God) will find joy in the good things that God provides (14-15).
The psalmist concludes with a specific petition for God’s deliverance and protection in his troubles (16-22). Times of trouble bring feelings of loneliness and despair. In his trials he sees his own sin all the more (16-18). In the great hated of the ungodly he trusts that God will guard him as he takes refuge in Him. His faithful life in the midst of troubles demonstrates his faith and hope in God (19-20). The longing of all believers is the final salvation of God’s people from the troubles of this world (21).