June 6

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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?