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Presented, May 14, 2006 pm

UNTO THEE O LORD, DO I LIFT UP MY SOUL

Psalm 25

Tonight we continue our study of the psalms.  We are now at the 25^th psalms which has some interesting background.  Before we study the actual text let us notice a few things:

• It is a psalm of David.  This is all we are told in the superscription.  Believed to be written later in his life because of the various topics he addresses.
• Its theme seems to be an address to God of reflections on his life.  This psalm has numerous subjects that David mentions.
• Some refer to this psalm as a group of prayers and reflections (or meditations).  David prays to God and then he reflects upon God’s goodness in his life.
• It is referred to by some as one of David’s penitent psalms (psalms expressing his true repentance).  There are at 5, the first having already been studied – Psalm 6.
• Another interesting fact about this psalm is that it is the first ACROSTIC psalm, meaning that each verse in the original language begins with a different letter of Hebrew alphabet in order.

I.                     Trust in God (1-3)

a.        Vs. 1 – David begins by acknowledging his need to address often his God.
He is lifting his soul up unto God.  NOT just his words or his hands, but his heart, his very soul.  We know that when we go to God, we cannot hide from Him (Psalm 139:7-12).
Therefore, our prayers NEED to be from within.  God is not pleased with mere ritual – but He demands

b.       Vs. 2 – David trusts in the Lord – requesting that he not ever be ashamed of Him and that his enemies (also the enemies of God).  As you read this psalm you know that David is in trouble (again).  Some scholars believe this was written later in his life – possibly as Absalom turns Jerusalem against him (2 Samuel 15-18).  David can look back in reflection, knowing that God has been there in both the good and bad times – thus even now, he again trusts in God. 
Peter, quoting Isaiah 28:16 says, “Therefore it is also contained in scripture, ‘Behold I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious, and he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame’” (1 Peter 2:6)
Once again he requests that his enemies NOT triumph over him.  While they may have their way right now, to him it is not a permanent thing.  He needs God’s help to overcome his enemies once again.
We MUST remember God when faced with our enemies. 
2 Timothy 3:10-11 – Paul with confidence had trusted in the Lord and He had helped, even when no one else was around.
Vs. 3 – David’s prayers were not exclusively for himself, but for all who “wait on You.”  Just another reminder to pray for others as we pray for ourselves. – 1 Timothy 2:1-2.
Instead, may the desires of the ungodly be brought to nothing – Friends – we NEED to be praying regularly for this – that God’s will will prevail not only in our lives, but in ALL of His creation.

II.                   Show me Your ways (4-5)

a.        His desire to learn the Lord’s paths.
As David has often done, he now requests help in finding the right path to follow.  To whatever degree he lacks wisdom, he asks (James 1:5) of God.
The task for us in this is ALWAYS to remember to search for His will.  Today, the only way we will find His will is through His word – 2 Peter 1:3-4 – we have all things – THOUGH KNOWLEDGE.  See also 2 Timothy 2:15.

b.       He also requests HELP of the Lord to lead him in that path. 
Jeremiah 6:16, “Thus says the LORD:  "Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way is, And walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls. But they said, 'We will not walk in it.'”
In difficult times, we need to be praying to God, but we ALSO need to be listening to Him.  When we a troubled, a good thing to do is begin studying His word.

c.        Because of his trust, David is willing to WAIT on God (In His time).  Don’t forget, God answers prayers and our needs in HIS TIME and as He sees best. 
Jesus even taught this in Luke 18:6-7 about prayer.

III.                 Remember (6-7)

a.        Your tender mercies – We know God does not forget but a request such as this serves as a reminder to us.  David could reflect on how good God had been to him – even when he didn’t deserve it.  He knows God is merciful and full of loving-kindness.
Paul realized this – 2 Corinthians 1:3
Colossians 3:12 – these are characteristics we need to develop.

b.       Remember NOT the sins of my youth –
When God forgives, HE forgets.  (Hebrews 10:17, cf. Jeremiah 31:34). 
But WE remember – while we know we have been forgiven, we still remember.  Sometimes reflection can be a good thing.  When we remember where we came from – it can humble us to appreciate where we are now.  But to dwell on such things is NOT good.

c.        Instead, remember me for Your goodness sake and Your mercy.  Friends, this is what sets God apart from the ungodly on earth.  The ungodly NEVER forget our indiscretions and harms to them.  But because of His goodness He forgets.  Ephesians 2:4 – God is rich in mercy, etc.

IV.                God is upright (8-10)

a.        In these verses, David turns from a request of God to reflections about God.  We need to reflect about Him often.  It is such that causes us to be able WITH confidence to pray.

b.       God is good and upright.  He IS good – the very essence of God.  Cf. Matthew 19:17.

c.        He guides the humble (meek) and teaches them.  HOW?  Through His word.  God guidance is based upon our willingness to open His word and find the answers.

d.       He is merciful to those who keep His word.  Don’t expect His mercy if you keep rebelling against Him (Matthew 7:21-23, Hebrews 12:14).

V.                  Pardon my iniquities (11)

a.        David asks forgiveness for his sins.  Like Paul (1 Tim. 1:16) he knows forgiveness comes BECAUSE of God’s mercy and loving-kindness as he has already noted.

b.       More than anything in this life, we need His forgiveness.

VI.                He who fears the lord (12-15)

a.        The Lord will teach him (because he is willing to learn)

b.       He will prosper

c.        The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him  - they will understand (cf. – Jesus teaching in parables – Matthew 13:10-15)

d.       His eyes were “ever” toward the Lord

VII.              David’s final pleadings (16-21)

a.        In his desperate condition, David pleads for the Lord to bring him out of his distress (16-17)

b.       Again he asks for forgiveness (18)

c.       Again, he asks the Lord to deal with his enemies.

d.       Again, he trusts.  Keep my soul (don’t let me drift away) – he trusts in you.  He is willing to wait.

e.       Let integrity and uprightness preserve him.  These are things that will preserve not only our standing before God, but man as well.  Cf. Paul - Acts 24:16

Conclusion: (22) Remember Israel, O God, Out of all their troubles.  David concludes not think just of himself, but all those who are the Lord’s.   Do we lift our souls unto the Lord?