Psalm 25: verses 8-14 (NIV)
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.
All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful
toward those who keep the demands of his covenant.
For the sake of your name, Lord,
forgive my iniquity, though it is great.
Who, then, are those who fear the Lord?
He will instruct them in the ways they should choose.
They will spend their days in prosperity,
and their descendants will inherit the land.
The Lord confides in those who fear him;
he makes his covenant known to them.
Perhaps if the scribes and pharisees who criticised Jesus had understood and applied these verses from psalm 25, they might have understood why Jesus spent so much time with “tax collectors and sinners.” I love that although David reminds us of the goodness and upright nature of God, he doesn’t tell us that God instructs the holy, or the wise, or even the good. Instead, He instructs sinners in His ways, which we also read are loving and faithful. That means that none of us are exempt! What an encouraging thing. If we will but humble ourselves and seek God’s forgiveness for our sin, not only will He lead and guide us on the right roads, but if we fear Him, that is to treat Him with the reverence that He is due, David tells us that God will even confide in us. That is mind blowing. That the God who seeks, knows and creates all things, wants to take the time to confider in those who follow and love Him.
When you confide in someone, trust is essential since you only confide in people you believe you can trust with sensitive information. It may also involve sharing personal thoughts, feelings, or experiences that you might not share with everyone. That’s the kind of relationship God wants to have with us. If ever we have doubts about how much we are loved by God and how much He wants us to spend time with Him, I think these verses are a lovely reminder, and I feel truly blessed.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for this reminder of the grace and love that You extend to us. You want us to learn not only Your ways, but also to confide in Your plans for us. I pray that I will revere and follow Your ways in humility and gratitude so that others may also be drawn to seek the assurance of that grace and love. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.