Teach Me Your Ways - Psalm 25

On Sunday, Benjamin preached on Psalm 25. In this Psalm, we see that David called upon the Lord for guidance in the midst of his distress. Here we see a model for how we can seek direction from God in the messy situations in our lives: trust, ask, and wait.

David began his prayer by declaring his trust in God. When we’re tempted to doubt, we may wrestle to trust the Lord. As Benjamin pointed out, though, this wrestling indicates faith. Those who have no faith do not wrestle to trust God. David wrestled to trust God. He knew that he would be put to shame if God did not come through, but he also knew that God is perfectly trustworthy. In Psalm 25:3 (ESV), David said, “Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame; they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.” 

David trusted the Lord — and in faith, he asked the Lord to lead him. In Psalm 25:4-5 (ESV), David said, “Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.”

It’s important to note the way in which David asked for God’s guidance. He did not give God options to choose from, asking Him to select one (unfortunately, that’s sometimes how we approach decision-making). Rather, David asked for God to make known to him His ways, and to teach him His paths. David didn’t focus on specific options before him. Instead, he longed for his heart and mind to be shaped by God, to be aligned with His desires. 

This is how we should go about making decisions. Rather than focus merely on individual choices before us, we should pursue sanctification. This growth in Christlikeness prepares us to make decisions for which Scripture does not give specific advice. When our thoughts and desires are patterned after God’s thoughts and desires, we are positioned to make God-honoring decisions. 

This is God’s design. He gives wisdom generously (see James 1:5), and teaches us through His word. God desires to renew our minds so that by testing we may discern His will (see Romans 12:2). We need not mystify decision-making.

David trusted God, asked Him to lead him, and waited for Him. Waiting for God is a theme in Psalm 25. Generally, we’re averse to waiting, but God desires to use time in waiting to transform us. He desires to teach us and lead us. We can take comfort knowing that these blessings are not reserved for people who have never sinned, but that they are given to people who repent of their sins and trust in Jesus for forgiveness. For sinners like David and us, that is very good news.

Resources:


Reflection Questions:

  • Are there any areas of your life where you’re wrestling to trust God? How does Psalm 25 encourage you?

  • What role does sanctification play in decision-making?

  • How can you pursue the renewal of your mind?

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