How to Face the Challenges of Life

Introduction

During the time of the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln bore a heavy burden on his shoulders. It was during this time, that President Lincoln said, “I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere to go. My own wisdom, and that of all about me, seemed insufficient for the day.”

We’re going to talk about challenges today, and how to face them. This Psalm is a little different from others because of what is hidden in the context. We face overwhelming things in life that we cannot control. We cannot avoid them, and yet we feel hopeless because we have no answers and/or certainly no control.

The psalms, as a whole, teach us to confront the problems of life by turning to the Lord. This is what David did in this Psalm. We can’t identify the specific situation in David’s life that led him to write this psalm. But, Because of his repeated requests for forgiveness, many commentators believe that his trouble was linked to his sin with Bathsheba (vv. 7, 11, 18). Committing adultery with her, having her husband killed, God judged David by proclaiming that his family would be marked by betrayal and violence (2 S. 12:9–11). So, With this in mind, it would seem that Absalom’s revolt against his father may be the setting for this psalm. Pastor and teacher Harry A. Ironside wrote, “David realized deep in his heart that the suffering was to a certain extent the result of that sin of so long ago. God was still visiting that sin upon him governmentally.… If we think of David in those circumstances when he wrote these words it may help us to understand them better.

Whatever the situation, David clearly recognized the connection between his sin and his trouble. Now we can learn from this: here it is…a statement to chew on… “we personally create many of the problems we face in life” So...we need to learn to face up to and deal with the consequences of our decisions. It is a law of nature, and a spiritual law, that we reap what we sow, and sin bears bitter, painful fruit (Ga. 6:7–8).

Plus, our careless words and actions can create enemies we are totally unaware of. In all of these situations, we can control the cause of the troubles but we cannot choose the effects. and it is when wee are experiencing the effects that we, many times turn back to God.

When he was writing this Psalm he was facing both external enemies and he was battling the guilt of his sin. And three themes are prominent in this psalm: forgiveness, guidance, and trust.

As is declared by the title, this is a how to message. What we are to do, (notes)

I. Call on God

This almost seem unecessary to say, but it is neccessary.

Let’s read our first two verses

Psalm 25:1-2 Unto thee O Lord do i lift up my soul.

O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, Let not mine enemies triumph over me.

Trust God…Callo upon God…present your crisis to Him. David’s sin, and the consequences had brought him to the end of rope. David feared that his enemies would be victorious and cause him grievous shame. The disgrace he feared was not merely the humiliation of defeat: it was the spiritual shame of forfeiting the blessing and protection of the Lord.

Embedded in “Calling on God” is exoressing your confidence in God:

Psalm 25:3 Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: Let them be ashamed which transgress without cause.

That those who wait on the Lord will not be disgraced but that wicked deceivers will be (v. 3).

In spite of looming defeat, David declared that none who truly trust in the Lord will ever have reason to be ashamed. Wait a minute…what if he loses. WHat if his enemies get him. What if his problems don’t go away and they get worse? Here is an element of trust that is being demosntrated for us... Even if he suffered defeat at the enemies’ hands, David knew that God would not forsake him. If he waited on the Lord, he would eventually see God’s good purpose come to pass.

David realized that his sin from the past, could result in his defeat. But...even if his enemies won over him in the short term, God would eventually vindicate him and put them to open shame, as long as he remained faithful to the Lord.

Thought

Far too often, we go to God...only when wee have problems, only, after we have exhausted all other resources. But if we are wise, we will acknowledge the fact that we lack the ability to navigate life’s fierce storms on our own. We know that we should be calling for God’s presence and protection throughout each and every day.

This doesn’t mean that we should sit back and do nothing about our problems; it means that we should present our problems to the Lord, seek His guidance about what we should do, and then act in His strength, relying on Him, trusting Him with the outcome.

And as you may know, God’s deliverance doesn’t always come immediately. Sometimes, God allows us to suffer a defeat or setback in order to achieve a higher purpose. This is when we have to wait (qawvah) on the Lord (v. 3).

Waiting…THis is different from waiting for what we hope might happen, and as each day passes get more and more discouraged. This is a waiting that has a confednt expectation that God will act according to His will and that when he acts, it will be prerfect.

let me give you an example: If you are saved and you know it say amen. You know your going to HEeaven? You Christ is returning? You know that this world is not your home…and yet…day after day goes by…and…nothing. Do we get discouraged? Do we stop serving? Do we give up? Do we fall apart? We have a confident expectation, we are waiting on the Lord.

Isaiah 40:31 “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” (Is. 40:31).

This is the kind of waiting that is spoken of in verse 3

Those who wait in thisi way are renewed in strength so that they can continue (and not quit or fall apart) to serve the Lord. When we wait in this way, our faith is actually strengthened through the problems, and our character and spiritual growth is further developed

God can be trusted! When we believe His Word and obey His commands, we can expect Him to do all that He has promised. We can face whatever comes with confidence that all thiings will work together for our good (Romans 8:28) —even the painful consequences of our own sinful failures

II. Pray for God’s Guidance

David sinned. And from that sin came problems…even years later, he is still dealing with the consequences. He seems lost ad not knowing where to go…he went to God…he prayed...

Psalm 25:4 Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths.

He prayed…God show me your ways, show me what to do. Many times, when a problem comes, we try to find a way to avoid it. But many times, God’s plan is for us to go through it, not around it. It is in and through the problems that we learn:

• obedience, faith, patien(so do we) and he knew that he would need God’s help to stay on God’s righteous path.

Picture a farmer walking alongside his ox as it plows a field. When it begins to turn aside, he directs it back to its course, prodding it with the goad when necessary. David asked God to walk alongside him in life and lead him according to the path of His truth—His Word and righteous commands. If he should ever again begin to stray from God’s way, he asked God to do what He must to keep him on the path of obedience. Never again did he want to wander into the painful pastures of sin.

Thought

So David is stuck in the consequences f his sin, He turned to God deliverance future presevation so that it wouldnt happen again

1. First, he prayed that God’s leading through the disaster his sin had created.

We should never think that we are exempt from the consequences of sin, just because we have been forgiven. When we disobey God, He proves His steadfast love for us. But as our loving Father, God often chastens us by allowing us to reap the fruit of our sin. It can act as a reminder, the next time around...

Remember When…you did something dumb…jumping bikes, playing with a knife, putting together a rocking horse… You may have a scar or a vivid memory to remind you to not do that stupid thing again!

God doesn’t swoop down to lift us out of our problems. But if we turn to Him in repentance, He doesn’t forsake us or leave us on our own either. We may have to endure the consequences, but we do not have to endure them alone: we can call on the Lord. He will help us us through our crises, including those that are due to our disobedience to Him.

2. David also prayed that God would teach him to walk in obedience to Him in the future

Psalm 25:5 Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: For thou art the God of my salvation; On thee do I wait all the day.

He didnt ever want to stry again. God’s grace is an amazing thing.

- It is by his grace that He saves us. Ephesians 2:8, 9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

TTitus 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

By His grace He saves us and forgives us of our sins, But it does more...

Titus 2:12 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

- It alsoteaches us, schools us in how to live righteouslyJ. But that’s not all...

Hebrews 12:10-11 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. 11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

God, in His grace, uses the painful process of chastening to train us to walk in obedience to Him. (The word exercise means to train, discipline)

3. Jesus taught us to pray for God’s leadership in the face of temptation

Mt. 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

This is part of the model pray that Jesus taught his disciples. We today have the Holy Spirit iving in us,…as Christians. Here is what he does:

John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come

Galatians 5:16-17 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would

Galatians 5:25 - If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit

Pray as the Psalmist did...

Psalm 119:35 Make me to go in the path of thy commandments;

For therein do I delight

III. Ask God to Remember His unfailing compassion and lovingkindness

We may have to pay the price of a particular sin for years after we have committed and even repented of the sin. When David recognized that his crisis was the outcome of sin committed long ago, his heart flooded with grief. Three remembers mark this passage.

Psalm 25:6 Remember, O Lord, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; For they have been ever of old

the first remember:

a. To remember His mercies toward you (v. 6).

Mercy and lovingkindness are God’s ageless attributes. The phrase “Ever of old” is, literally, from eternity. David understood that he deserved whatever trouble happened to him as a result of his sin; therefore, he doesn’t sppeal to God’s sense of justice for those causing his problems, he is appealing to God’s everlasting compassion. This is comfort and hope for us: our God is a merciful God.

Psalm 25:7 Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: According to thy mercy remember thou me For thy goodness’ sake, O Lord.

the second remember is:

b. Not to remember the former sins and rebellion of your youth (v. 7a).

David prayed that the consequences of his sins as a younger man would never grow again. The second remember is accompanied by not: David pleaded for God to forget his sins of long ago, to no longer hold them against him in judgment.

The thirs remember:

c. To remember you out of mercy and love: Because He is good (v. 7b).

In addition to appealing for God’s mercy and steadfast love, David appealed to God on the basis of His goodness.

God’s nature is simply to do good for people. He even showers His goodness on those who do not have a relationship with Him through faith in Jesus Christ. Scripture says that for some it is God’s goodness that brings them to the place of repentance

Ro. 2:4 . Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

Thought

James 1:15, 16 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. 16 Do not err, my beloved brethren

Sin is like a tornado.,it tears violently through our lives, leaving death and destruction in its path. (Js. 1:15). If we are wise, we will not be deceived by its seducing promises of pleasure and gain (Js. 1:16).

When temptation rises within us, we need to look ahead to the potential results of departing from God’s righteous path. In the same way Satan tempted Eve, he manipulates us into thinking that we will not be caught in our sin. The idea of what we stand to gain by giving in to temptation—can easily overpower the reality of what we stand to lose once the sin has been committed.

Again, we must not be deceived. Moses’ haunting words should always ring in our ears:

Numberrs 32:23 “Be sure your sin will find you out”

Conclusion:

What are we to do when we have to live with the severe consequences of rejecting God’s way (will)? First, we need to genuinely repent of the sin and immediately start to obey God’s Word.

Second, we should, in simple prayer, plead with God for His mercy. When we genuinely repent, God has compassion on us. Even if we have to go through the painful consequences of our sin, He will strengthen and comfort us in our suffering.

Third, we need to recognize and accept the truth of God’s Word about our choices: we reap what we sow, and the fruit of sin is pain and destruction. ands.

4 (25:8–10) Declare that God is good and upright.

Notice the transition in the text at this point: David moves from speaking to God to speaking about God. In this passage, David is speaking to us. He proclaims a comforting message to all of us: the Lord is good to sinners. Like David, we, too, are sinners. We have all fallen short and disobeyed God’s holy commands. But God loves us, and He longs to forgive and help us. The Lord is near us when we sin, not to condemn us, but to deliver us. He longs to lead us to victory over our fallen nature. David instructs us how to receive that victory.

a. That He shows sinners the correct path to take (v. 8).

Because He is good, the Lord teaches sinners how to walk in His way. Because He is upright, He teaches us the right way to live, the way that pleases Him and brings us happiness, joy, satisfaction, and peace. Meditate on a sobering truth: we deserve nothing from God but His judgment. Death and destruction are the just wages of our sin. We deserve the devastating consequences of our sin, the bitter fruits produced by our willful choices to disobey the Lord’s Holy Word.

But the Lord is good. He will forgive us and restore us to fellowship with Him. He will walk alongside us and teach us how to obey His Word. He loves us so much that He has given us His Spirit: God Himself lives within us to instruct us and guide us along the path of righteousness. With the infallible Word of God before us and the ever-present Spirit of God within us, we can walk in daily obedience to God. We do not have to wander aimlessly through life, and we do not have to stray away from God into sin. We can make the right decisions and experience victory over temptation and sin. How good the Lord is to us!

b. That He guides the humble and teaches them His way, the right and just way (v. 9).

How can we receive God’s instruction and victory? We must become meek (anav); that is, we must humble ourselves, bringing ourselves into submission to the Lord. The words used here are the same as in vv. 4–5:

➢ Guide (darak) is to walk alongside and direct along the right way.

➢ Teach (lamad) is to use the goad to keep one on course.

Again, picture the ox, cow, or horse that is plowing the field or pulling the cart. Its self-will must be broken before it can be guided. Bible teacher and commentator Warren Wiersbe points out that the word meek is used to describe a horse that has been broken. If we will be led by the Lord on the right path, we must cast aside our pride, our know-it-all attitudes, and our desire to live for ourselves. Instead, we must place ourselves under the Lordship of Christ and the control of His Holy Spirit. Only when we fully turn the reigns of our lives over to the Lord can He direct us along the way of sound judgment to overcome sin. We cannot stay on the right path on our own.

c. That He leads the obedient: He lovingly and faithfully leads them (v. 10).

God leads us along the right path according to His mercy—His steadfast, covenant love for us—and His truth. Therefore, when we follow this path, we are steadfast in our love for Him, and we are faithful to the truth of His Word. This is what it means to keep his covenant and his testimonies. God keeps His covenant with us by being faithful to us. Likewise, we keep our covenant with Him by faithfully obeying His Word. Testimonies is a synonym in the psalms for the commands and precepts of God’s Word (Ps. 78:56; 93:5; 99:7; 119:2, 24, 125, 138).

Thought 1. Because we are sinners, we are prone to be stubborn and self-willed. Our sinful nature is a reality that we need to be aware of and be prepared to control. Like a wild, untamed colt, we too often rear up in defiance of God’s ways as revealed in His Word.

The secret to receiving God’s guidance is to become meek, bringing ourselves under His control. Scripture teaches that we must yield ourselves to Him. In the same way that our sinful nature is the servant of sin, we should present ourselves to the Lord as His servants of righteousness. Then, we should yield ourselves to Him daily in the decisions we make. Every day we choose whether to yield to our sinful impulses or in obedience to Him. We need to die to self and the desires of our sinful nature and to present ourselves as sacrifices dedicated to live in holiness to the Lord (Ro. 6). When we give ourselves fully to a life of righteousness and not sin, God promises to reveal His will to us and to transform us from within (Ro. 12:1–2). Jesus made us this promise: if we truly desire to do His will, He will teach us the truths of His Word so that we can know His will and follow it (Jn. 7:17).

“If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself” (Jn. 7:17).

“Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God” (Ro. 6:11–13).

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Ro. 12:1–2).

“For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding” (Col. 1:9).

5 (25:11) Ask God to forgive your great sin.

David returned to addressing the Lord, beseeching the Lord to forgive for His own name’s sake. God’s name represents His character—His attributes and all that He is. Previously in this psalm, David mentioned God’s compassion, lovingkindness, mercy, goodness, uprightness, and truth. David’s basis for asking God’s pardon was God’s faithfulness to these attributes.

God’s name also represents His reputation. Because David’s sin was so appalling, the Lord would bring glory to His name by forgiving David. The Lord’s faithfulness in keeping His promises (covenant) to David, in spite of the caliber of David’s sin, would be magnified before all the people.

Thought 1. David’s plea for forgiveness was accompanied by a full confession of his sin. In no way did he attempt to minimize his sin. He completely acknowledged his iniquity—his twisted behavior and guilt.

Pardon from the Lord comes after we confess our sins. True confession makes no excuses, and it never attempts to minimize what we have done. We must always recognize the severity of our sin. While some sins may seem to be less severe than others, every sin we commit is rebellion against God. Even if a sin seems small to us, it still would have cost the Savior His life. He had to die for all sin in order to pay the penalty for all sin. Any attempt to minimize the magnitude of our sin indicates that we are not sincere in our confession.

We have a wonderful promise from God’s Word: when we confess our sins, God will forgive us and cleanse us. Why? Because He is faithful and just (1 Jn. 1:9). For His name’s sake, the Lord—Jehovah, the God who keeps His covenant—will forgive us. Great sinners require a great Savior. And though our sin is great, God’s grace and forgiveness are even greater!

“Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound” (Ro. 5:20).

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 Jn. 1:9).

“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest” (Ps. 51:1–4).

“Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name’s sake” (Ps. 79:9).

6 (25:12–14) Fear the Lord.

To fear the Lord is to recognize who He is and to show Him the reverence He is rightly due. It is to acknowledge His authority over us and to live in view of the fact that we are accountable to Him. This recognition results in submissive obedience to Him and His Word (see outline and notes—Pr. 1:7 for more discussion). Humility and obedience to the Lord’s Holy Word are traits of those who fear the Lord (vv. 9–10).

Those who fear the Lord are richly rewarded by Him. In these verses, David lists four reasons to fear the Lord.

a. Because God will instruct you in His way: Show you the path you should choose (v. 12).

First, when we fear the Lord, we receive His guidance and instruction about how we should live. God imparts His knowledge and wisdom to us when we give Him His proper place in our lives (Ps. 111:10; Pr. 1:7; 9:10). This wisdom is more valuable than gold, silver, jewels, and anything else this world can offer (Pr. 3:13–15). God’s wise instruction equips us to make the right choices in life, to choose the path that will lead to our happiness, joy, and success.

b. Because you will be at peace and thrive (v. 13).

Second, when we fear the Lord, we will receive the very best that this life can offer. His soul shall dwell at ease is also translated, “He will live a good life” (HCSB). Ease comes from the Hebrew word for good (towb). It speaks here of a life of well-being, including peace, prosperity, joy, satisfaction, and all blessings.

c. Because your children will inherit the promised land (a symbol of heaven) (v. 13).

Third, fearing the Lord not only pays rich dividends in this life, but also in eternity. The earth or land refers to the land God promised to Abraham and his descendants, the land of Canaan (see outline and notes—Ge. 12:1 for more discussion). The land speaks of the fullness of God’s blessing in this life, but it is also a symbol of heaven and eternal life. Inheriting the land often refers to receiving all that awaits the faithful children of God in eternity, the new heavens and earth that God will create. This is promised to those who fear the Lord (2 Pe. 3:10–13; see outline and note—Ge. 12:1c for more discussion).

d. Because the Lord shares and fellowships with all who fear Him: He teaches them His covenant (v. 14).

Fourth, David saves the richest benefit for last: when we fear the Lord, we enjoy a special, intimate relationship with Him. God reveals more of Himself and His ways to those who fear Him. Secret (sode) stresses confidentiality. It speaks of information revealed only to an inner circle of trusted confidants. If we genuinely fear the Lord, our reward is a privilege beyond compare: the Lord reveals His secrets—His most cherished and most encouraging truths—to us. We are indescribably blessed with a deeper relationship with Him.

Specifically, what secrets does the Lord share with those who fear Him? He reveals the secrets of His covenant. If we fear the Lord, we will receive a deeper understanding of His covenant. We who live on this side of the cross are blessed to live under the New Covenant, God’s covenant of grace through the shed blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. Therefore, fearing the Lord offers us the privilege of a deeper, more vibrant comprehension of all the things pertaining to our salvation and God’s sacrificial love for us. When we fear the Lord—honor and obey Him—His Spirit reveals clearly to us the wonderful truths in God’s Word. Nineteenth century English preacher Charles Spurgeon eloquently describes this glorious privilege:

The “secret of the Lord” is with them that fear him. Some read it “the friendship:” it signifies … confidential intimacy, and select fellowship. This is a great secret. Carnal minds cannot guess what is intended by it, and even believers cannot explain it in words, for it must be felt to be known. The higher spiritual life is necessarily a path which the eagle’s eye hath not known, and which the lion’s whelp has not travelled; neither natural wisdom nor strength can force a door into this inner chamber. Saints have the key of heaven’s hieroglyphics; they can unriddle celestial enigmas [mysteries]. They are initiated into the fellowship of the skies; they have heard words which it is not possible for them to repeat to their fellows. “And he will shew them his covenant.” Its antiquity, security, righteousness, fulness, graciousness and excellence, shall be revealed to their hearts and understandings, and above all, their own part in it shall be sealed to their souls by the witness of the Holy Spirit. The designs of love which the Lord has to his people in the covenant of grace, he has been pleased to show to believers in the Book of Inspiration, and by his Spirit he leads us into the mystery, even the hidden mystery of redemption. He who does not know the meaning of this verse, will never learn it from a commentary; let him look to the cross, for the secret lies there.

Thought 1. The most important decision we can ever make is to fear God. To acknowledge and revere God is a choice that affects us throughout the days of this life as well as throughout all the days of eternity. How is this true?

First, the fear of God leads us to recognize that we are sinners and that we need forgiveness for our sin. We understand that we are separated from God and that we need a relationship with Him. This forgiveness is possible only through the shed blood of Jesus Christ on the cross. We can only have a relationship with God through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. The fear of God leads us to make the most important decision in eternity, the decision to trust Christ as Savior and commit our lives to Him.

Then, the fear of God leads us to submit ourselves to His Lordship, which stirs us to live faithfully in obedience to God and His Word. By fearing the Lord, we will be led by His wisdom. Following His wisdom for life assures us of His blessing. As we sow righteousness in our lives, we will reap the blessings of righteousness. Additionally, we will spare ourselves the painful consequences of wrong, sinful choices.

Furthermore, the fear of God also leads us to recognize the fact that we are accountable to God. It leads us to actually live in fear of His judgment. We cannot sin and escape the consequences of wrong behavior. As the children of God, He will chasten us when we disobey Him. On the other hand, when we live in obedience to Him, the Lord will bless us and reward us richly—both now and in eternity.

Note these powerful Scriptures about the fear of the Lord:

“But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him” (Ac. 10:35).

“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Co. 7:1).

“And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding” (Jb. 28:28).

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever” (Ps. 111:10).

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Pr. 1:7).

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (Ec. 12:13).

“And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the Lord is his treasure” (Is. 33:6).

7 (25:15–22) Set your eyes on the Lord—always.

David was in a desperate situation. He was on the verge of being overthrown and assassinated, and he was gripped by deep emotional distress. Imagine how it would feel to have your own child rise up against you in an attempt to destroy you. Alone and afflicted beyond what he could bear (v. 16), David lifted his eyes above his crisis to look to the Lord. He was determined to stay focused on God.

a. Reason 1: God alone can rescue you from the enemy’s trap (vv. 15–21).

David was caught in the deadly snare of sin’s consequences. Although many years had passed since the night he had tragically given in to his lustful desires, his horrible sin with Bathsheba continued to haunt him. Comparing himself to a bird trapped in a net, he knew that he had but one hope of escaping the clutches of his enemies: the intervention of God on his behalf. First David asked the Lord to turn to him, to face and give him His full attention, because he was all alone and afflicted (v. 16). David accepted that his crisis was justly deserved: it was a part of God’s judgment for his awful sin. Therefore, he cried out to God for mercy. The benevolence of God was his only hope.

Second, David asked the Lord to deliver him from his troubles, which were large and ever growing larger (v. 17). His situation was worsening every day. As his troubles grew, so did his anguish.

Third, the distressed king again asked God to give him His full attention, to look on him in his distress (v. 18). Citing his affliction and pain, David drew God’s attention to the suffering he was experiencing because of his sin. In begging God to forgive him, he was asking the Lord to deliver him from the situation he was in.

Fourth, David implored God to observe how his enemies had increased and how viciously they hated him (v. 19). Cruel hatred (chamas sinah) is hatred that is so strong that it seeks to slay the one hated. Consider for a moment David’s leadership of the nation from his enemies’ perspective. His great sin was no secret: he had committed adultery with the wife of one of his most loyal men who had risked his life for David on many occasions. Then, he had arranged the death of this faithful follower in an attempt to cover his sin. Many, if not most, of us would have difficulty following a man with these crimes in his past. Others felt that he had ambitiously tried to displace Saul as king (2 S. 16:8). David’s enemies felt that their opposition of him was justified, and that, by killing him, they were acting in their nation’s best interest.

Fifth, David begged God for His divine protection (v. 20). Keep my soul is more modernly translated as guard my life (NIV). Only the Lord could protect David from death and rescue him from his enemies. He pleaded for God to deliver him from the shame of being slain by men of his own nation, and even worse, his son. His execution would also disgrace the name of the Lord who had chosen him to be king and made a covenant with him.

Finally, the king called upon God for protection on the basis that he was a changed man (v. 21). Adultery and murder had been replaced in his life by integrity and uprightness—straight adherence to the path of righteousness. David realized that he could keep no secrets from God: the Lord knew his heart and knew that David walked in complete obedience to His laws (Word). His only hope was in the Lord. Therefore, he declared that he would wait on the Lord to do what He deemed best. He placed himself and his crisis in God’s hands and entrusted his life to Him.

b. Reason 2: God alone can redeem Israel (believers) from trouble (v. 22).

Because David was king, his problem was Israel’s problem. His sin had brought this crisis on the nation. His son’s bloody revolt could not have a favorable outcome for the nation. Whatever happened, Israel would suffer.

David pleaded with God to redeem Israel, the Lord’s covenant people, from the trouble his sin had brought upon them. Notice the name by which David addressed God. It is not Jehovah, God’s covenant name to His people. Rather, it is Elohim, the name that testifies of God’s power and might. David and Israel’s trouble was great, but God—our God—is greater.

Thought 1. This psalm teaches several important lessons that we cannot overlook:

(1) Sin carries painful, long-lasting consequences. When we are under the pressure of temptation, sin’s promises of excitement and pleasure often overshadow the potential damage of our disobedience to God’s commands. It is precisely at this moment that we must focus on the havoc we will wreak on ourselves and others who will be affected by our sin. We must think about our family members, our friends, all who love us, look up to us, and have invested in us. We cannot be deceived into believing we will never be caught. This is one of Satan’s most powerful lies. If for no other reason, we should find the power to flee temptation for the sake of those who love us. How can we so selfishly put them through the painful, destructive aftermath of our sinful satisfaction?

Even more, think of Christ who suffered and died on the cross for our sins. We break God’s heart when we sin. Scripture even says that we crucify the Son of God afresh by our willful sin (He. 6:6). We should remember this in the heat of temptation.

(2) We can only stay on the right path—the way of obedience and righteousness—with the Lord’s help. If we trust only in ourselves, we will stray from God’s will for us and slip into sin. We need to seek God’s guidance and strength daily in order to walk in the way He has chosen for us. If we truly desire to overcome temptation and be obedient to Him, He will keep us on the right path.

(3) When we are facing some crisis, especially a crisis created by our sin, we should turn to the Lord and call upon Him. Only God can deliver us from the consequences and guilt of sin. He loves us and He is merciful. We should cast ourselves upon His mercy and wait on Him. He may choose to rescue us from whatever trouble our sin has caused, and He may even prevent further problems from developing, especially when we have repented and are faithfully walking in renewed integrity before Him. We must always remember that God’s judgment is corrective, not punitive. However, if we choose to live in obedience to Him, He may, in His mercy and grace, spare us from further consequences of our past sins. Either way, we can trust Him to do what is best for us according to His divine purpose.

“But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren” (Js. 1:14–16).

“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Pe. 5:7).

“It may be that the Lord will look on mine affliction, and that the Lord will requite me good for his cursing this day” (2 S. 16:12).

“I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins” (Is. 43:25).

“Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon” (Is. 55:7).

“Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy” (Mi. 7:18).