Psalms 25:11-22 –Approaching God boldly

Psalm 25:1-10 detailed for us David’s first petition to God. Now in verses 12-22 we see him making two more petitions to Him. A refection over what he said in these verses will reveal David’s character and desire in life. In his second petition recorded in verses 11-15, they show us that he was a man of contrite spirit. He recognized that God was fully cognizant of his life and conduct, and nothing concerning him was hidden from the Almighty. Refusing to minimize sin, he instead humbly sought God’s pardon. What David did clearly suggests to us that he had a strong desire to ensure that his relationship with God was always intact. He knew that rich blessings await one whose relationship with God is complete and unbroken.

So his rhetorical question in verse 12 points out the kind of person that God would bless. It’s true that the choice of pursuing a right relationship with God always ensure blessings. Verses 12-14 point us to the three-fold blessings for a person who fear the Lord. Firstly God will teach him His way; secondly, God will ensure richness to his soul; and thirdly his descendants will inherit the land. Besides, he will also know the secret of the Lord and His covenant. Like David, if we are to know God, understand His ways and benefit from being His covenant people, we need to have a reverential fear for Him. David expressed his confidence in God and was assured that He would deliver him from the snares laid by all his enemies.

In verses 16-22, David then began his third petition. It shows David’s reliance on the Lord, not only for himself but also for the nation of Israel. These verses show his deep anguish and affliction, but despite all the distress, he was confident that God would answer his prayer. All in all, Psalm 25 shows us how to approach God. We should never be afraid to come to Him in our weakness and vulnerability, for He knows us through and through. But we must come fixing our eyes on Him, and be assured that God is good and upright. Be assured that He is more than willing to teach and guide us when we fear and honor Him. He will forgive our sins when we come to Him in contrite heart and spirit. Our confidence that God will hear us does not rest in how well we have prayed, but how wonderful a God He is. It is His nature to answer the prayers of those who fear and honor Him. What a privilege for us!