May 22
________________________________________
MAY INTEGRITY AND UPRIGHTNESS PRESERVE ME
Who is the man who fears the LORD?
Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose.
13 His soul shall abide in well-being, and his offspring shall inherit the land.
14 The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him,
And he makes known to them his covenant.15 My eyes are ever toward the LORD,
For he will pluck my feet out of the net.16 Turn to me and be gracious to me,
For I am lonely and afflicted.17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged;
Bring me out of my distresses. 18 Consider my affliction and my trouble,
And forgive all my sins.19 Consider how many are my foes,
And with what violent hatred they hate me.20 Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me!
Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.
21 May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you.
22 Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles. – Psalm 25:11-22
________________________________________
In this psalm, David relies on the Lord for deliverance and desire to be close to the Lord. He runs to the Lord especially when he feels afflicted with troubles. In his distress, he honestly opens up his heart to God and declares to him the condition of his heart as it is. He doesn’t hide his challenges and difficulties. Instead, he opens it to him so that the Lord could bring him deliverance and comfort. David is particularly known for examining his heart, something that believers should emulate. Just like Paul says in 2 Corinthians 12:9-11, he will only boast about his weakness because when I am weak, I am strong. This dependence on God instead of fixing myself is an act of humility. It shows that without relying on God, I can’t overcome any obstacles or adversities that come my way.
________________________________________
ADORATION: Praise the Lord for all his guidance and provision to me.
CONFESSION: Forgive me when I rely on my own strength, Lord.
THANKSGIVING: Thank you for all the comfort you bring each time I am down.
SUPPLICATION: May all believers be reminded of their complete dependence on God.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• How is being weak actually strong in God’s economy?
• What is the world view of “strength” that the world believes in?