Psalm 25: A Childlike Humility

By: Edward Cortez

 

The gnawing feeling of guilt and shame overpowers him. The possibility that his enemies would expose some dark secrets of his past haunts him. Several times, David implores God not to put him to shame. David alludes to the sins of his youth and his rebellious ways and for God not to remember them.

We’ve been there. We experience it from time to time when some dark secrets of our lives come back to haunt us. We wish they never happened. But the reality is we are sinful beings prone to wander and rebel against God. The Holy Book declares, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

And so David feeling the weight of his sins asks God, “Remember, LORD, your great mercy and love…do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways” (verses 6,7). He is heartbroken, remorseful, and repentant. He offers no excuses. He appeals to God on the basis of His mercy and love. He implores God, “For the honor of your name, O LORD, forgive my many, many sins” (verse 11).

Having gone to the Lord with contriteness of heart David experiences the awesome freedom from guilt and shame that only a gracious God can give. He declares, “Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way” (verses 8,9).

In our readings of the Psalms, we are often impressed by David’s childlike humility especially during the most difficult seasons of his life. Just consider his very first words at the beginning of this Psalm, “In you, LORD my God, I put my trust” (verse 1). When we come to God in the trusting and believing ways of a little child setting aside our pride and selfishness, we will experience God’s divine forgiveness and acceptance into His kingdom. Jesus, Himself, declared, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3)

Like David, the moment we experience God’s liberating truth we will want more of Him. In a typical fashion demonstrating David’s utter reliance and enjoyment of God, he declares, “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” (verses 4,5). The reference of “God my Savior” obviously refers to the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who is the Savior of the world. The Apostle Paul recognizes Him as his Savior, “It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all” (1 Timothy 1:15). There is no one beyond the reach of God’s grace.

And here’s a beautiful promise for us today, “The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them” (verse 14). The precious gift of friendship and intimacy with God is like no other. It comes through a childlike humility.