Don’t Be Embarrassed

Psalm 25:3 (BES) (24:3) For none of them that wait on thee shall in any wise be ashamed: let them be ashamed that transgress without cause.

(Proverbs 3 also read)

I think many of us carry around some of the propaganda that Satan has saturated us with.  We may not be aware of it.  In our good moments, we may deny it or even be able to overcome it.  We have been told time and time again, that if we are people of faith that we are also people who are uneducated and ignorant.  I’m sure you’ve heard that somewhere.  If you haven’t, you will.  It’s one of the lies of Satan.

This verse may be wishful thinking for many of us, but it is an indication of where we should be.  Keep in mind that we have the truth.  That truth was given to us by Almighty God.  That truth is revealed in the written word.  Just because you can’t bring it up in the moment of confrontation doesn’t mean it’s not there.  One of the best things we can do for learning how to witness is get over this hurdle of thinking we have something to be ashamed of.  We don’t.

So?  Start your day with confidence.  God is still on the throne.  If He can work through Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, and even Moses and David, He can work through you.  If the children of Israel, on their way to captivity can have the reassurance that God goes with them, you can have that same reassurance. 

Prevenient Grace

Psalm 25:8 (BES) (24:8) Good and upright is the Lord: therefore will he instruct sinners in the way.

(Proverbs 25 also read)

There is a theological concept called prevenient grace.  It tends to be believed in and taught more in non-Calvinist circles.  The idea is that God extends His grace towards you while you’re yet a sinner and allows you to move toward Him.  This overcomes the concept that we are helpless and unable to respond to God without His specific input.  It means that even though we are not in any contact with spiritual sources of this world, the Holy Spirit is still preparing us and moving us.

Notice what this says.  It says that God is going to be working with sinners.  They may not be aware of it.  They may refuse to respond.  God is still working.

So?  God works in our lives.  We understand that.  We need to also understand that the person we are sitting across from in the cafeteria has God working in his life.  That brings it down to how each individual responds to the leadership of the Holy Spirit.  You may claim that people haven’t had a chance to respond.  God knows otherwise.  

Define Enemies

Psalm 25:2 (KJV) O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me. 

(Proverbs 17 also read)

I hope you have had the experience of singing the chorus based on verse one and two.  That dates me.  A later generation would call it praise music.  There might even be a few young people who call it contemporary but my suspicion is that they would label it old fogies music. 

Call it what you want, it is a great way to praise God.

This morning I found myself wondering who my enemies were.  For David it could have been Saul, pagans around him, intrigue at court or even his own sons.  For you the list might be long.  I don’t know that I would have anyone to put on the list.  There might be enemies but they have been good at covering it up.  That makes this a doubly important prayer. 

It might also be simple things like a busy schedule or a preference for certain music.  It could be addiction to video games or gluttony. 

So?  This is a one size fits all prayer.  It works whether you know the target or not because you are bringing it to the one who knows all.  

An Open Secret

Psalms 25:14 (KJV) The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.

(Proverbs 25 also read)

When I see something that is supposed to be a “secret”, I think of private information that we don’t want shared with anyone else.  That’s not the emphasis here.  The word has the idea of a council meeting where only the members can join the discussion.  That doesn’t mean they can’t share it with others.  It might even be more like board meetings at my church.  They say they’re open to anyone who wants to come.  You can’t vote but you can listen.  I don’t know if you can speak, but you can listen.

We are admitted to the council of God when we have the right attitude towards him.  The word here is fear.  Keep in mind the biblical concept of fear is more awe and reverence than phobia.  It is an attitude that does not make us want to run away, but convinces us to listen.

So? God's counsel is available. Are you listening? 

A Chapter of Powerful Words

(Psa 25:6 KJV)  Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old.

(Proverbs 12 also read)

If you were looking for a chapter in the Bible to read to lift up your spirits and encourage your heart this would be a good place to start. The verse above is just one of many.  Notice some of the key words of mercy and loveingkindness.  As you read through the Psalm you find forgiveness, hope, trust, truth, and compassion.  I probably missed at least one.

David is exulting in his God.  He is rejoicing in knowing the creator.  And he is offering that praise to us in the form of scripture.

So?  Be a reader.  As you read be a thinker.  As you think be a believer. Make it all come together as you worship the living God.