June 6

Psalm 25 (Part 3) / Read

Reflect and respond. It’s the basis for every one of our daily Bible readings. We identify how God is grabbing our attention and then we explore and answer the questions:

  • What is God saying to me?

  • What am I going to do about it?

The reality is that this process takes time and space. Rarely can we answer these questions in the moment. Retreat is an essential component to hearing from God and being changed by his Word.

Consider David, the author of Psalm 25 and many others. A psalm is a prayer-song, a poem of worship set to music. What might have been David’s process for writing a psalm? How long would it have taken him to move from experience to thoughts and feelings to lyrics set over rhythm and melody? Where would this process have taken place?

It seems fair to say that it wouldn’t have happened in the hustle and bustle of the crowd or a busy work day. It was most likely that David’s compositions came out of the quiet moments when he was alone with the Lord.

  • What are your regular rhythms of being alone with God? Think in terms of daily, weekly and monthly rhythms.

  • If you don’t have regular rhythms alone with God, why not? What keeps you from doing so?

Take a moment to consider vv. 4-5 of Psalm 25: Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

David was under attack (see vv. 2, 16-20). He wanted relief, but learning from God was more important to him. He stepped back and invited the Lord to show him what was happening and give him proper perspective on the situation. In the process, the Lord came close to him and reminded him of who he was: forgiving, good, upright, guiding , loving, faithful, comforting and protecting.

These were not things that David came to know in the moment, but only after retreating, getting alone, pouring out his heart to God and listening for God’s word.

  • Is there anything in your life that feels too big for you? Are you worried or anxious about anything? Is there anything that scares you? Be as specific as you can when answering.

  • When will you get alone with God to talk with him about that thing and listen for his word to you?

June 5

Psalm 25 (Part 2) / Read

Dealing with enemies is a common theme of the Psalms. Within a biblical framework, enemies are those who oppose God and his way of living. As we seek to grow deeper in relationship with God and live in greater obedience to his Word, we can be assured that our association with him will lead to attack from his enemies.

  • What has it looked like for your to experience attack from God’s enemies? How have you been attacked in your activities, your relationships, your thoughts and emotions?

  • Is there any way in which you currently feel under attack?

When David (the author of Psalm 25) came under attack, his response was to lean into God’s character and identity. The Lord was his hope, his teacher, his guide, his Savior; he was merciful to David; he loved him and forgave him; he was faithful to him.

David also reminded himself of who he was without God: a rebellious sinner, lonely, afflicted, troubled in his heart, distressed and in need.

The good news of the Scriptures is that David’s God is our God - he is eternal and unchanging. We can know him as a loving Father and powerful King and call on him in times of trouble. We can believe that he will guard us and fight for us. And, because of the Good News of Jesus, we already have victory over our enemies - whether in this life or the next.

  • Reflect on your answers to the questions above. How are you currently dealing with attack? Do you tend to “toughen up” and go it alone or lean into God, admit your need and ask him to deliver you?

  • What about God’s character and identity as described in the psalm most stood out to you? What about who he is do you find most encouraging right now?

  • How would regularly reflecting on who God is and what he’s capable of change your outlook on life and your response to attack? What would it take for you to develop a daily rhythm of remembering who he is and how you need him?

June 4

Psalm 25 (Part 1) / Read

We will read and reflect on this Psalm together over the next three days. Today we begin with little commentary or prompts. Simply read the passage for yourself and invite the Lord to speak to you.

You may find it helpful to follow the progression of questions below as you seek to understand God’s Word and how he is leading you to respond:

  1. How is God grabbing my attention as I read this passage?

  2. What do I sense God saying to me? (This will be a word of grace, not a word of condemnation.)

  3. What am I going to do in response to what God is saying?