When David wrote Psalm 25 he was being threatened by mighty enemies externally (v. 2) and great iniquity internally (v. 11); therefore, his passionate plea was “Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me. Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause. Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. Remember, O Lord, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old. Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness’ sake, O Lord…For thy name’s sake, O Lord, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great” (vv. 1-7, 11).
David’s reassurance came as he reflected upon his perfect God. “Good and upright is the Lord: therefore, will he teach sinners in the way. The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way. All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies…What man is he that feareth the Lord? Him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose. His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth. The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will show them his covenant. Mine eyes are ever toward the Lord; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net” (vv. 8-10, 12-15).
Because of his great need of God and God’s great power, David’s fervent petitions pour out before the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob: “Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses. Look upon mine affliction and my pain and forgive all my sins. Consider mine enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred. O keep my soul and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee. Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee” (vv. 16-21).
Defeated was David’s might foes without; forgiven was David’s great iniquity within. The God of Israel redeemed him out of all his troubles.
He still does.
