Psalm 25 is etched in my heart because
of singing it with our daughter Annie
when we had just adopted her. She
didn’t know a word of English, but
Psalm 25 can be sung in a round,
where the child repeats the phrase
sung by a parent. I can still hear
Steve’s deep voice singing it and
Annie’s soft voice echoing him. Her
English was distorted, but she was in
earnest to repeat what her “opa”
(daddy) sang.
Unto Thee O Lord
(Echo) Unto Thee O Lord
Do I lift up my soul
(Echo) Do I lift up my soul
O my God
(Echo) O my God
I trust in Thee
(Echo) I trust in Thee
(Together) Let me not be ashamed, Let not my enemies triumph over me.
I don’t know that she understood at all what she was singing, but the words were etched in her memory, and His Spirit wooed her, won her, and today she is a a young woman who loves the Lord deeply. I see her continually lifting up her soul to the Lord — as a wife, mother, nurse, and friend to many international students. God has used the pain she felt as a very little girl and the pain of losing Steve to make her one of the most compassionate people I know.
This is the song we sang, and which is so easy to learn. As you listen to it, see how the psalmist prays about enemies, guidance, and guilt.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtmMM6w_Kww
Psalms 25 is a response to the Lord of Glory we saw in Psalms 14-24. It also contains one of my favorite verses. Many believe — but how many are truly friends? I think of Mary of Bethany, and how she was one of the first to experience intimacy and how she alone among the disciples knew He was going to die.
Sunday: Ice-Breaker
1. What stood out to you from the above, and why?
2. What spiritual song did you learn as a child or which you teach to children that you think has lasting value and why? (Feel free to give a link if there is a great one!)
Monday-Wednesday Bible Study
PSALM 25: Unto Thee, O Lord, Do I Lift Up My Soul
3. As we turn to the theme of lifting up our needs to the Lord, how did the the theme you saw in Psalms 14-24 prepare us for this? Take something from that theme that impacted you and explain why you can trust your soul to the Lord when you are facing problems in your life.
ENEMIES, GUIDANCE, GUILT
4. What need does the psalmist bring to the Lord in Psalm 25:1-3? Make six observations on this passage.
5. When you consider opposition you are facing from without, do you think it is possible that the opposition is actually from spiritual forces of darkness? If so, how does that impact your perspective of this battle?
6. What promise is given in verse 3?
7. Pray Psalm 25:1-3 in regard to a situation in your life.
8. Make six observations concerning verses 4 and 5.
9. I know I tend to approach challenges in my life with anxiety or control. Waiting on the Lord for wisdom is one of the hardest things for me to do. Yet it is the secret.
A. Share a time when you did wait on the Lord for wisdom and He gave it.
B. Now — write down a challenge or an obstacle and ask the Lord to give you wisdom. Be still. What does He impress upon your heart?
One of the most profound evidences to me of the reality of God was the way He relieved me of a burden of guilt I didn’t realize I’d been carrying when I first came to Him. But oh, I knew it when it was gone. In the same way, when I begin to beat myself up for my daily failures, He is there again. Christ is the only effective way to remove guilt. The world gives you technique, or tries to tell you that you did the best you could so forget it — but deep in our heart, that isn’t enough. Christ paid the price and took it — and we don’t have to beat ourselves up any longer.
10. Read Psalm 25:6-18
A. What does David ask in verses 6-7? Do this sins of your youth ever come back to haunt you? How should you talk, rather than listen to your soul?
B. In verses 8-10, what part does recognizing our sinfulness, and responding humbly to correction play in being led? If you keep hitting a brick wall or repeating the same sin — could this be helpful to you?
C. In verses 11-15 there are some important promises that come with conditions, including one of my favorites. What do you think verse 14 means?
D. What repeated plea does David make in verses 16-18?
This reminds me of one of my favorite psalms, which we have often studied on this blog: Psalm 42. The psalmist is downcast and has to keep talking to his soul. He tells his soul to hope in God, and “she” does, but then anxiety returns, and he speaks again, over and over, and into Psalm 43. So it is with us.
11. The three themes of Psalm 25 are repeated in the closing verses of 19-22. Find them.
12. Share how the Lord is helping you presently in each area of enemies, guidance, and guilt.
Thursday-Friday: Teaching from Mike Reeves
Listen:
13. After listening, share:
A. How does Reeves view Psalm 25?
B. What did you learn about the name of the Lord?
C. When Reeves looked back at Psalm 19, he said it revealed creation was more about the kindness of the Lord than the power of the Lord. Why?
D. What other notes and comments do you have?
Saturday
14. What is your take-a-way and why?
266 comments
“Forgive the sins and errors of my youth” verse 7… Oh yes, youth is a time of letting go of the family ties. I fit the
pattern of a rebellious young woman, thinking I had the answers and being so wrong. But as that beautiful hymn states, that Wanda shared. Yes, thanks to God- There’s a wideness in God’s mercy.He lets us choose and then graciously shows us the error of our ways. I developed a bad habit (idol) of people-pleasing.
“He teaches sinners the path they should follow.” I have had an insatiable desire to know his word and to please Him in all my words and actions. Each of you share such beautiful insights.
Renee, your perspective of the spiritual battleground is precise. In so many ways the enemy throws his darts, but verse 15
is a promise to hold, “My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only He will release my feet from the snare.”
Yes, I will look to the Lord who is gracious and kind and created all things for our pleasure. And He provides a way of escape when temptations beckon us.
I may not be so actively involved in the next few weeks. My deadline for moving from Vermont is June 28, and I will be very
busy in the packing and downsizing. I covet your prayers. Blessings to each of you.
You’ve got them (prayers), Shirley. So glad that you are finding peace with your decision to move. Take care and be gentle with yourself in these next weeks when life is likely going to be a bit hectic.
9A. Share a time when you did wait on the Lord for wisdom and He gave it.
I have only begun to try this technique in the last few years (sad, I know). It did work , but patience is required! This year I had two students who were very disrespectful to me. It happened for a couple of reasons; mainly I wasn’t the teacher they thought they were getting to teach the class, and they really “harassed” me for a few weeks. It made me not want to go into the class room; I literally felt like I was being bullied! It made me nervous and I couldn’t do my job well. I was overly consious about everything and made mistakes that they immediately picked up on. It was awful.
One day I finally had it. I decided it wasn’t right; how they were treating me, and it needed to stop. I didn’t know what to do. That’s when I started praying. It took about two days of waiting to finally figure out what I would do. I spoke to a colleague (not good when you are waiting for God’s reply) which kind of made me more anxious because those kids had gone to him about me! He was the teacher they thought they were having for the class. I shouldn’t have spoken to him, however, he did tell me they needed to be “very busy” in class. This particular class is one where the levels range from extremsly high to extremely low. You have to teach “in the middle” and these were the really high level students. I was really hurt by their actions and wanted to lash out to them. They were critisizing everything I did; out in the open in front of all! I knew my activities were tried and true since I have taught the class for a long time, but they were obnoxious seniors.
Anyway, God told me to keep myself like Jesus. He wouldn’t lash out, He would teach. I called the students forward and told them they were going to teach the class. I gave them the content (it happened to be solving a problem with trigonometry) and told them they needed to figure out how to teach the lesson. I chose the two students plus one more so it wasn’t obvious that I was “picking on them.” I sent them to the library for a class and then the next day they taught. They did well! Their attitudes toward me changed a bit and things did get better. They are still sassy (they’re seniors who don’t want to do anything!) but we have a much better relationship now and I felt much better the rest of the semester coming to class. I didn’t feel bullied after that.
Thanks be to God!
Laura — I so love this story and hope everyone reads it! I love your opening lines too — a model for all.
oh Laura–there is SO much for me to glean in this! First, how you waited on Him–two days of waiting in prayer–that’s a LONG time in our life (I’m very impatient! ). Then this “I spoke to a colleague (not good when you are waiting for God’s reply)”–your humility and wisdom gained. It’s natural to want to talk to someone we think will “get it” and yet it often does just raise our anxiety. But you still humbly took what advice you could…and then the wisdom, and again the humility! of letting them teach the class, even adding a 3rd so it wasn’t so obvious. Sorry, I feel like I’m writing everything you wrote–but there is just so much here. And the “thread” through all is what has most impacted me in this week’s lesson–humility. When we are humble, as you were before the Lord, He leads, He teaches. What a great example!
Laura…..that IS such a great example of God’s leading and using your skills as a teacher to make a big impression on the kids in a positive way. I love it!
Laura…I loved your story! If you hadn’t had God in your heart…I can’t imagine the outcome!
11. The three themes of Psalm 25 are repeated in the closing verses of 19-22. Find them.
1. Enemies-When we walk with the Lord, the world will hate us. We will have trials and enemies, spiritual battle. Vs. 19 “how many are my foes, and with what violent hatred they hate me.”
2. Guidance-Turn to the Lord in prayer, seek Him for protection. Vs. 20–“Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me!…for I take refuge in You”
3. Guilt-He is the God of our salvation, He has promised to redeem and save; vs 21 “May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you. Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.”
12. Share how the Lord is helping you presently in each area of enemies, guidance, and guilt.
I think my greatest “enemies” are my own thoughts my doubts, and my idols. While I have struggled in the past with control, my greater idol is fearing the disappointment of man, fear others’ acceptance and approval.
I was really impacted in this weeks lesson, and it was displayed so well in Laura’s example above, how our humility is a vital prerequisite to His guidance. When I humbly come to Him, knowing my hands are empty, I have nothing of value without Him. I cannot defend myself and I cannot measure up. I just lay down at His feet. I let it all out, and breathe in His life. I feel Him fill my lungs, and He whispers His counsel, His “secrets” to me.
Guilt can be a heavy burden for me. I have always had a very heavy conscious—even as a child I was quick to confess because the heaviness of guilt felt awful. Still now, I often look at the ways I’ve acted, and I feel “I could have done better” and I compare myself to others, and feel the weight of it. Like one of those heavy blankets they lay on you at the dentist—it feels like a blanket of lead. But then I turn to Him, I repent. I tell Him my heart—my desire is to love others like He loves, I am sorry I fail so miserably. I have no other option but to trust His Word. I will die if I tried to live on my own efforts. Even the things I do “right” are rarely with a pure motive, and rarely do I keep it to myself. But His Word promises that He takes my weakness and strengthens me. I live on the promise that He has redeemed me. And I step forward in faith the He sees my heart, He forgives, He guides. He breathes new life into my weary soul. He lifts that heavy blanket of lead and burns it in the fire. He takes my brokenness and He continues to make beauty of ashes.
9A. Share a time when you did wait on the Lord for wisdom and He gave it.
What comes to my mind are the times when I feel spellbound, unsure of a solution, resolution, or action/inaction…this doesn’t have to be necessarily anything big, and would often seem probably fairly insignificant to most, but not to me…I will pray for the Lord to help me to discern. Our Lord is so very gracious; quite often He will put thoughts into my mind that provide reconciliation, creative solutions, motivation, and/or peace. I find myself thanking the Lord throughout my days for His provision.
B. Write a challenge or an obstacle and ask the Lord to give you wisdom. Be still. What does He impress upon your heart?
Concern for my daughter and granddaughter’s futures.
Lord, You are in charge…You equip…You provide…You love these girls with a greater love than I or any human being is capable of. What I deem best, may not be best; You know what is needed and You will provide. You provided for our redemption and I can trust Your provision for these precious girls. I will continue to pray for their well-being, obedience, and peaceful, loving hearts. You are trustworthy, dear Lord, let me never doubt Your love and provision. Amen.
9. I know I tend to approach challenges in my life with anxiety or control. Waiting on the Lord for wisdom is one of the hardest things for me to do. Yet it is the secret.
A. Share a time when you did wait on the Lord for wisdom and He gave it.
I need to be brief for I have written two things and erased them due to privacy concerns. I am running out of time this morning. 🙂
In a nutshell-I bend toward being a ‘fixer’..I don’t like things unsettled for very long so I can anxiously jump without praying and waiting on Him for wisdom in how to handle situations. I am learning to wait! 🙂 God is increasing these challenges it seems in these two situations-one being a troublesome employee I will have next year who could cause our operation to be shut down unless she adheres to the Food Safety rules, and another is in regard to my husband and an invention idea he has been working on for two years. Last month when my husband asked me if I thought he was being a fool in this regard..I had to pray on the spot asking for wisdom with how to answer for my husband is feeling oriented and would have easily been hurt and upset with me had I answered in my own wisdom. I believe God gave me the right thing to say. I told him I believe this is in God’s hands and He will open or close doors either way-I have no idea how this will turn out and I don’t want to hinder him if this is God’s answer to his prayer of a way out of his second job. Had that question been asked last year I would have told him I think this is a foolish way to spend what little of the extra time he has which would have been hurtful-not helpful to him. Also I sought counsel from my older brother who is wise. I believe God wanted me to hear this. He simply told me my husband works so hard -let him dream-let him do something like this-it is healthy for him right now.
SO GOOD REBECCA. I hope it does go well, but I think your support speaks volumes to him.
Such good wisdom here, Rebecca. I can really benefit from your example.
Love this Rebecca! I can sure use this as a wonderful example of patience and wisdom from God. THANK YOU.
9. I know I tend to approach challenges in my life with anxiety or control. Waiting on the Lord for wisdom is one of the hardest things for me to do. Yet it is the secret.
A. Share a time when you did wait on the Lord for wisdom and He gave it. I used to yell at my kids a lot – wanting to control them and their behavior. But the Lord convicted me. If I am angry and yelling then I am serving my idol not serving Jesus and certainly not teaching my kids about true love (Dee’s Steve has been an inspiration to me in this area). But I was at a loss! What could I do in regards to discipline?!? The Lord brought a specialist in young child behavior to my doorstep who became a dear friend, she had been teaching me but it wasn’t sinking in until I realized and confessed my idols. Then suddenly – this pause happened, waiting on the Lord, not giving into the yelling but pausing and so many times I would get an idea for discipline! Or would remember words of advice from my friend. Or I would see the situation truly, instead of being threatened by lack of control. The Lord gave me options other than yelling. I still need to remember to pause – wait on the Lord. Really, in all situations, not just with my kids. =) I know that example isn’t a “waiting for a long time” example but….
B. Now – write down a challenge or an obstacle and ask the Lord to give you wisdom. Be still. What does He impress upon your heart? It is a complicated situation but I know that only He can work in the situation. I think I know what He would want but there are others involved that He will have to change in their opinions before I will be able to move forward. And I also know that my desires play in, I mustn’t be swayed just because I really want it to go one way versus the other. It is a pray and see situation, many details will need to be worked out divinely. He impresses on me to be patient and wait, not try to manipulate and “set the path” for what I want. God, have Your way.
I feel that there are so many things that I am currently “waiting on the Lord” for, praying for, hoping for…waiting for “the” answer…
This about Steve touched my heart, Jill.
9B. Now — write down a challenge or an obstacle and ask the Lord to give you wisdom. Be still. What does He impress upon your heart?
Next year when I manage this troublesome employee. I am unable to discuss the issues-but she admitted she is an antagonist and laughed-so she admits she goes against the rules on purpose.
He has impressed on my heart to wait for Him for wisdom every time I need to talk with her in regard to the minor and major issues next year. To be fair, diligent and to work with her on the minor issues to help her become more organized yet follow protocol in a patient manner when she violates the rules.
10A. What does David ask in v. 6-7?
For the Lord to be mindful of His (the Lord) “compassion and unfailing love” and to forgive the “rebellious sins” of his (David) youth.
Do the sins of your youth ever come back to haunt you? How should you talk, rather than listen to your soul?
At one time sins of my youth unmercifully haunted me…I was so ashamed and embarrassed of some of my youthful actions and the evil one used this to taunt me and encourage doubt and degradation. I recall a long confessional prayer time with the Lord, where I shared my heart fully…I shared my shame, my embarrassment…how sorry I was for what I had done, how sorry I was for having offended my Lord; I pleaded for His forgiveness. The Lord graciously and mercifully freed my mind and heart from the bondage…yes, those actions/decisions were wrong, bad, and sinful, but I am forgiven…I am redeemed by the body and blood of my Lord Jesus. In Jesus, I am freed from this bondage…the evil one cannot assail me with these past mistakes and errors in judgement, I am forgiven.
I think that it is really important that we come before the Lord with a repentant heart, acknowledging our sin and allowing His truth and mercy to flow over us. If we ruminate on our sin rather than confessing with a repentant heart and receiving the Lord’s mercy and grace, this allows an opening for the enemy to spin doubt, shame, embarrassment, fear, etc. in our mind and heart that draws us away from the Lord and to focusing on “self” (i.e., self-centered, self-focused, self-interested…self, self, self…)
B. In v. 8-10, what part does recognizing our sinfulness, and responding humbly to correction play in being led.
Recognizing our sinfulness and responding humbly to correction is necessary to fully receive/accept the Lord’s mercy and forgiveness. If we don’t acknowledge our sin, then we will likely continue to sin in that manner or allow the evil one to shame us into debilitating, paralyzing isolation from the Lord.
C. What do you think v. 14 means?
The Lord offers friendship to those who honor/respect Him. The Lord wants a relationship with us…a relationship of love and respect.
D. What repeated plea does David make in v. 16-18?
For God to “reverse this downward spiral” (NIV Life Application Study Bible)…for God to aid Him in his needs, bodily (i.e., lonely, afflicted) and spiritual (i.e., troubles of my heart, sin).
So good to stand firm on that forgiveness.
11. The three themes of Psalm 25 are repeated in the closing vs. 19-22. Find them.
1. Enemies surround, troubles assault…life’s struggles, challenges, sin mount an attack.
2. Prayer to the Lord for protection and rescue, wisdom and discernment.
3. Trust in the Lord for provision of all that is needed…hope in the Lord.
12. Share how the Lord is helping you presently in each area:
Enemies:
I am becoming more aware that the real enemy in most circumstances, despite how it might look, is the evil one, and the fight is really one that is beyond me (I know who wins!…:) ). I am more cognizant of the evil one playing a role in situations…encouraging violence, dissatisfaction, dissension, discontent, doubt, etc., and my (and others’) need to resist his ploys to draw me in to take the bait, rather I should turn to the Lord and His provision.
Guidance:
I need to remember to talk to the Lord FIRST and seek His guidance FIRST. There is no one that can provide better direction or guidance than the Lord…not my husband, not my Mom, not my sister, etc.
Guilt:
There is a difference between the Holy Spirit’s conviction and the evil one’s shame. The Holy Spirit’s conviction provides me the opportunity for repentance and positive change, while the evil one’s shame will facilitate/perpetuate a cycle of humiliation, embarrassment, fear, isolation, self-focus, etc.
Nanci~ Your #12 is SO good. Great descriptions. All of them.
10. Read Psalm 25:6-18.
A. What does David ask in verses 6-7? David is asking God to remember him, but not remember his sins (amplified Bible says “the lapses and frailties”). Do the sins of your youth ever come back to haunt you? Every day – not so much in certain actions or deeds that I regret but more of shame in who I was. In knowing that my overwhelming selfish nature and immaturity have made so many awkward situations and “driven” people away, if not outright hurt them.
How should you talk, rather than listen to your soul? I lift you, soul, to Him, not to man. I trust Him to continue changing me, forgiving me, and release the consequences of my past to Him, it is over. Now we will embrace what He has purposed for us, ever looking to Him for guidance and refinement in humility and repentance. Soul, focus on His light! His light leaves no room for darkness, and the more we turn to it the more He will flood out the impurities and regrets from my heart.
B. In verses 8-10, what part does recognizing our sinfulness, and responding humbly to correction play in being led? If you keep hitting a brick wall or repeating the same sin – could this be helpful to you? The path cannot be shown to someone prideful in their sense of direction. Make known to me Your way, O Lord.
C. In verses 11-15 there are some important promises that come with conditions, including one of my favorites. What do you think verse 14 means? I have really been loving the amplified Bible. I do not read it first but it always adds depth!
D. What repeated plea does David make in verses 16-18? Turn to me, forgive me, rescue me, be gracious to me. All are a request for His presence.
11. The three themes of Psalm 25 are repeated in the closing verses of 19-22. Find them.
1. I have dangerous enemies.
2. Christ (integrity and uprightness) will protect/deliver/be refuge for me.
3. I will wait on Him alone (in worship and in reverence) because He is the only one worth waiting for, the only one who can truly help.
12. Share how the Lord is helping you presently in each area of enemies, guidance, and guilt.
Enemies: I have been going through Sacred Romance and the authors have you rehash your life to find the “arrows” and lies from the enemies. This has been painful but helpful in identifying the enemy’s tactics. This Psalm is perfectly timed with certain lessons I have been hashing out in that study.
Guidance: My heart is calmer. I am a controller (which I aptly disguise as saying “I am a planner” to make it sound good). My heart becomes tumultuous when there are unknowns…. but He is touching me, changing me. Currently we are waiting on orders for a new duty station – this means we do not know housing, timing, moving details, school possibilities, church, friends…. the list goes on!! But my heart is calm, praying for each of those to have His path and protected from the enemy but at the same time releasing it to His timing and His provision.
Guilt: I think because I want to control I also want to control the past – make amends. Visit all those that didn’t like me and say, “Look! I have changed!” But even in that I am trying to control what they think of me and looking for the approval of men and not of God. I s’pose it comes down to me allowing the truth of God’s love to permeate my heart. I do not need anyone to tell me I am likeable, loveable… For He loves me and that is enough. When I dwell on that my guilt starts to lift and evaporate.
Being calm in the midst of so many unknowns is huge, Jill. That is surely God’s hand on you and yours!
I would be a wreck….not knowing any of those things…
I admire your trust in God, Jill.
I think Staci from the blog here is in the middle of a move also….in the military.
Prayers for both of you…..it must be so hard.
13. After listening, share:
A. How does Reeves view Psalm 25? A response to Psalm 24. The King of Glory has gone up now lift up your soul to Him. This is not Christ’s voice, but it is about Christ.
B. What did you learn about the name of the Lord? It is an active element – not just a reference – Not just the name of the Lord but the person of the Lord, it actually does something (Isaiah 30:27). In the New Testament they “suffered for His name’s sake” which is not just for His fame, but for something more, the person.
C. When Reeves looked back at Psalm 19, he said it revealed creation was more about the kindness of the Lord than the power of the Lord. Why? All creation is by grace – God in His kindness and goodness created – psalm 19 – primarily it is not power but it is the goodness in creation. Not “Wow, what a powerful being who created all this.” But primarily it should be, “Wow, it is light shining into darkness – freely given not because I deserved any of it but because He is gracious and kind.”
D. What other notes and comments do you have?
– A desire for pardon for guilt is response to seeing the work of the Messiah but it is for His name’s sake.
– God showed mercy to Christ – even though Christ did not deserve death, God in His mercy raised Him again. God cannot be coerced (“I deserve to be raised”) but instead has His will that he takes pleasure in being kind and gracious. He declared Christ the righteous one, vindicated Him – this is salvation, the moment of mercy that we become clothed in.
– Psalm 22 and 31 are bookended by the cross. These psalms are of the same mind – getting man back to the Holy Hill. They all help interpret each other, bringing out different points to understand – all which take you to confidence in the Messiah and what He has done.
– What about hell in the kindness of creation? Hell is the response to evil. Evil is not found within God, but anger at evil is. God does not create under anger but under grace. This is the greatest mystery – how could they allow evil to slither into this creation? (I did not fully understand this but these are the notes I got out of what Reeves said.)
Great notes, Jill. “God cannot be coerced (“I deserve to be raised”) but instead has His will that he takes pleasure in being kind and gracious” I find such comfort in knowing He cannot be coerced, and His ways cannot be thwarted.
3. After listening, share:
A. How does Reeves view Psalm 25?
Reeves says that Psalm 25 is a conclusion/application psalm. What we see at the end of Psalm 24 is the King of Glory going up to Zion, so in Psalm 25 David lifts his soul up to Him. This is his correct response to what we have seen. Reeves says that Christ is not the voice speaking in Psalm 24 and Psalm 25. Christ is the subject matter, not the speaker.
B. What did you learn about the name of the Lord?
In verse 11 – there is guilt. “For your name sake, pardon my sin.”
In Isaiah 30: 27: “See, the Name of the Lord comes from afar, with burning anger and dense clouds of smoke, his lips are full of wrath, and his tongue is consuming fire.” Reeves asks, “Whose lips?” – “The name of the Lord.” Name of the Lord is capitalized in some translations. For example, Solomon built the temple for the Name of the Lord. In Kings 10:10, the Queen of Sheba wants to know Solomon’s relationship with “the Name of the Lord.” This gets picked up later in the New Testament, as the disciples suffer for the Name of the Lord.
So “for your name sake” means something a little more. It is not just the word “Yahweh,” but the person of Yahweh.
C. When Reeves looked back at Psalm 19, he said it revealed creation was more about the kindness of the Lord than the power of the Lord. Why?
Grace pre-existed before creation. Creations exists because of grace. God in His kindness and goodness creates, and then God in His kindness and goodness saves. God creates light, and the light is shining into darkness. By His graciousness we receive light – we didn’t do anything to deserve light or breath – it is graciousness of the Father.
D. What other notes and comments do you have?
In verse 4 – he wants to know the ways of the Lord and be taught the paths of the Lord.
In verse 6 – He wants to have mercy and forgiveness – this is the right response to seeing the Messiah. It is not just “Can I have it?” But it is “Remember the mercy that You have had for Christ and apply it to me because I am in Christ. Because of this, the Christian can be so much more confident.
I found it difficult to understand the questions that were asked by the students. A girl asked something about the “mercy of God.” Reeve’s answer was, “It is not that God has a load of mercy hanging around, and we say ‘Can we have some of that please?’ God’s mercy is to vindicate the Son – to declare He is the righteous one. That is the Father showing His grace to the Son. That is the moment of salvation. He is dead and would nave no life outside what the Father gives Him. He brings Christ to life when Christ was dead. As we are included in Christ, we share that grace.”
What we see in the relationship of the Father and the Son is that the Son never commits unrighteousness that would impair the relationship with the Father. He is always the dutiful and obedient Son. The relationship is initiated by the Father – all grace!
In Psalm 26 we are seeing something quite different. Now you have someone who doesn’tneed vindication. You have an innocent righteous one again. Psalm 27 takes up the same theme, and Psalm 28 continues it. There is lots of resonance with Psalm 23 – he trusts, doesn’t fear, and dwells in the house of the Lord. The righteous one asks for the Lord’s grace. Psalm 28 is referenced in Hebrews 5 with Jesus offering up petitions: “During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered, and once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him and was designated by God to be the high priest in the order of Melchizedek.”
In Psalm 29 He can trust the Lord will vindicate Him and judge the wicked. In Psalm 30, we see some very familiar things.
In Psalm 31 “In your righteousness deliver me…” This concludes the set. “You are my rock and my fortress. Into your hands I commit my spirit” – these were Christ’s words on the cross.
Psalm 31 wraps up the set. Again you have an application Psalm.
Psalm 32 – you will recognize: “ Blessed is the man whose sins the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is not deceit.
There was a question about the Father’s graciousness toward the Son. We do not deserve grace at al. Grace is not an abstract grace, it is specific – in Christ we are given grace. All grace is given to Christ and in Christ we receive grace. We are not given the status of being accepted before the Father – we enter as Christ.
He mentions Genesis 3, and that hell is a response to evil. Evil is not found within God. The Lord does not create out of grace and anger – but out of grace, but responds to evil with anger.
A student asks “Why evil exists.” Reeves says this is the greatest mystery. The mystery of sin is really dark and incomprehensible.
13 A. How does Reeves view Psalm 25?
Conclusion to Psalm 24. David now lifts up his soul to the King of glory who has gone up. This is not Christ speaking, it is David’s correct response to the Lord. He wants to know the way, the mercy, the forgiveness of the Lord. He is not asking for mercy, but thanking God that He has already given it.
B. What did you learn about the name of the Lord?
David says “for Your Name’s sake, pardon my guilt”. Isaiah 30:37-“the Name of the Lord comes from afar…”, the Name seems to be the Person Yahweh. Solomon builds a temple for the Name of the Lord. The Queen wants to know about Solomon’s relationship with the Name of the Lord. It is more than just ‘for the sake of Your fame’, but actually ‘for the One who represents You’.
C. When Reeves looked back at Psalm 19, he said it revealed creation was more about the kindness of the Lord than the power of the Lord. Why?
Creation exists as a result of God’s grace. It is the goodness, the graciousness that is displayed in Creation. It is more than His power that we see, it is primarily His kindness. Light shining into darkness, our very breath– freely, graciously given to us.
D. What other notes and comments do you have?
The Father brings Christ to life when He is dead. He has an eternal relationship of grace with Christ and as we are in Christ, we share that grace. The Son is completely righteous, and in His faithfulness He is always obedient. But the relationship is initiated by the Father through grace. Mercy is shown to us to allow us to enter that grace with Christ.
Psalm 22 and 31 are bookends.
Hell—God’s response to evil. Evil is not found within God; anger at evil is. God does not create out of grace and anger, but only out of grace and love. But He responds with anger.
I could barely hear the end, but I think this is what was said: Why evil exists? The greatest mystery. Look at Genesis 3, that is inexplicable, how in this creation, could this happen. The real mystery of sin is that it is very dark, and incomprehensible.
B. Now — write down a challenge or an obstacle and ask the Lord to give you wisdom. Be still. What does He impress upon your heart?
So Lord, you know my heart. I have such an inner battle going on. I need You! On many fronts I am needing assurance that I am valuable; as a person, as a mom, as a teacher; I’m feeling low. Thank you for the many blessings You bestow on me and my family. I should be grateful, but instead, alas, I want more. I need Your wisdom Lord. I suspect I need my focus to be on You and off myself. Thank you for your eminent guidance, Jesus. Amen.
I love this from Dee: “when I begin to beat myself up for my daily failures, He is there again. Christ is the only effective way to remove guilt. The world gives you technique, or tries to tell you that you did the best you could so forget it — but deep in our heart, that isn’t enough. Christ paid the price and took it — and we don’t have to beat ourselves up any longer.”
Rebecca, I also loved that quote from Dee : “when I begin to beat myself up for my daily failures, He is there again. Christ is the only effective way to remove guilt. The world gives you technique, or tries to tell you that you did the best you could so forget it — but deep in our heart, that isn’t enough. Christ paid the price and took it — and we don’t have to beat ourselves up any longer.” In fact, that would be my take-away for the week, along with the question Dee asked pertaining to vss. 8-10: ” If you keep hitting a brick wall or repeating the same sin — could this be helpful to you?” At the time that I encountered that question, I was struck with the significance of the fact that the question was even asked. I think it was right to ask it. I guess I liked that Dee pretty much assumed that we all hit the brick wall at some time and find ourselves repeating the same sin. I know it is a fact of life for me!
10. Read Psalm 25:6-18
A. What does David ask in verses 6-7? Do this sins of your youth ever come back to haunt you? How should you talk, rather than listen to your soul?
David is asking God to remember his compassion and mercy.
Oh yes, they do-but not often. When they do I know it is the evil one so I remind myself of who God is-He is faithful, compassionate, full of lovingkindness, and not pointing his finger at me for my past. I remember He has taken it on the cross and forgiven me. He no longer holds it against me so why should I?
B. In verses 8-10, what part does recognizing our sinfulness, and responding humbly to correction play in being led? If you keep hitting a brick wall or repeating the same sin — could this be helpful to you?
I SO NEED THIS WEEK’S STUDY! No wonder I have had interruptions all week!
It is a huge part in being led especially if it is a deep rooted sin with thick deep roots-which I do have-He isn’t finished with me yet. Responding humbly doesn’t mean beating up on myself and telling everyone and myself that I am a loser and I have failed-it means that I am yielding or bending to God because I trust and love Him over myself and others-I am trusting in who He is and when I see Him, His Holiness shines on the dirty parts inside so I know I need Him daily! It really is freeing though because I know He won’t condemn me so I can be honest before Him and others. Like when Annie honestly said in Dee’s post on Facebook-that she is grumpy often but is glad she got to go biking with her family. It isn’t hard to be real about who we are when we are truly walking in His righteousness and not our own.
C. In verses 11-15 there are some important promises that come with conditions, including one of my favorites. What do you think verse 14 means?
The secret of the Lord is for those who ‘fear’ Him. In our leadership class at church last fall we studied what fearing God meant in certain passages. I think in this Psalm it is not being afraid of punishment for those who are His but it is being in awe, in worship, in reverance of Him. Perhaps it is bending and yielding to Him because we revere and love Him so. “And He will make me know His Covenant”-I see a deep intimacy here! I could be wrong but because of the Cross-because HE made me His-I see this back and forth delighting in one another..me revering, adoring Him and He responding back delighting in me with comfort, Love, protection-lifting my feet out of the net. Like SONG OF SONGS! (I may have gone a bit overboard here with interpretation-but this is how I see Him.) :))
D. What repeated plea does David make in verses 16-18?
Oh I love the way David started this off, “Turn to me”...it is beautiful..”and be gracious to me for I am lonely and afflicted.” He is being honest telling God his troubles again and he is overwhelmed but He is speaking truth to His soul- He is asking God to bring him out of his darkness and into God’s arms. He is remembering who God is.
The intimacy in this Psalm reminds me of Song of Songs.
“it isn’t hard to be real when we are walking in his righteousness and not our own.” Yes.
11. The three themes of Psalm 25 are repeated in the closing verses of 19-22. Find them.
1. Enemies: I have enemies-in particular, THE enemy- satan, that hates Jesus.
2. God is my deliverer from my enemies: I am His and when I take refuge in Him when being attacked He rescues me and I won’t let satan make me feel ashamed or guilty for there is no shame because of Jesus blood that covers me for there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus.
3. He will preserve me by leading me in His integrity and truth.
12. Share how the Lord is helping you presently in each area of enemies, guidance, and guilt.
Enemies: God reveals to me often via the Holy Spirit’s discernment in me when the enemy is attacking.
Guidance: He guides me by speaking truth to my soul in His Word-by reminding me of who He is, who I am in Him and His Will for me in this situation..His Will for me is His Word so I start there with Him and He guides me.
Guilt: I no longer need to feel condemned..I can feel sorry that I have sinned and how it has affected others so there is a red flag that the holy spirit puts up that is important to see so I can tell God about it-but guilt is a different story..that can be like beating myself up. The cross has freed me from that-I am no longer guilty before God He took my guilt on the cross. He is the cure for any guilt I may feel.
10. Read Psalm 25:6-18
A. What does David ask in verses 6-7? Do this sins of your youth ever come back to haunt you? How should you talk, rather than listen to your soul?
“Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, Lord, are good.” (Psalm 25:6, 7 NIV)
Oh yes! the sins of youth come back to haunt me. David has some pretty hefty sins that he remembers as well. This gives me hope. If David can be forgiven then so can I. I need to talk to God and ask his forgiveness for those sins. I need to then make amends for those I hurt (if it is possible and others were involved) and then put them to rest and believe God will show me mercy.
B. In verses 8-10, what part does recognizing our sinfulness, and responding humbly to correction play in being led? If you keep hitting a brick wall or repeating the same sin — could this be helpful to you?
“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. “(Psalm 25:8-10 NIV)
I’m not sure I understand this question. So, is it like if I’m an alcoholic, I have to admit to being an alcoholic every time I go to an AA meeting?Does this mean I need to recognize my sin and realize I need help? The only one who can have mercy and forgive is God. Once I have admitted I’m wrong then my heart can be molded by Him. He provides the knowledge of goodness to me.
13. After listening, share:
A. How does Reeves view Psalm 25?
As a response to what has been said in Psalm 24. The king of glory has gone up in 24-the ascension, and in psalm 25 is David’s response to the ascention. V4-that now we want to know the ways of the Lord-the response of seeing the work of the Messiah set out. Not just saying please can I have your mercy but remembering your mercy-so remember that and apply that to me. Like what we say..not please give me your mercy but help me to remember your mercy.
B. What did you learn about the name of the Lord?
A desire for pardon and forgiveness-but it is for your names sake that guilt is pardoned-‘names sake’ doesn’t mean ‘fame’. Isaiah 30:27 The name of the Lord is not just a word to make famous, but it is active-a person Who does something.
C. When Reeves looked back at Psalm 19, he said it revealed creation was more about the kindness of the Lord than the power of the Lord. Why?
Creation was a gift to us from God’s graciousness-His kindness. Everything given to us in creation was via His kindness and goodness. Light shining into darkness-as I see the sun, as I see the light–I didn’t do anything to receive the sun or receive the breath he gave me.
D. More comments:
Anger at evil comes from God..not evil. God responds to evil with his anger.
The relationship between Jesus and God was initiated by God via His Grace and we share in that Grace. It was God’s Grace and Mercy that raised Jesus from the dead and vindicated Him.
14. What is your take-a-way and why?
I was most impacted this week by verses 8-11. When I hear that He “instructs sinners” I feel His gracious love. While I am still a self-centered sinner, He will instruct me. But there is a condition to meet, and that is my own humility. As long as I am proud and think I know best or am focused on getting what I think I so desperately need…unless I lay that all down, He will not lead me. I must admit my complete depravity, my inability to live a holy life in my own strength, I must fall to my knees at His feet, and then He reaches out His hand and takes hold. He instructs me.
There have been a few times this week when I started to feel overwhelmed by the change in schedule that summer brings. But I took one step of offering up myself, like breaking from the computer and starting a new novel with my kids, and the laughter and joy that rushed in surprised me. It filled my cup. He takes my “baby steps” and gives me back to overflowing. I need to remember that!
Also verse 11 “pardon my guilt, for it is great.” Reeves said David is not asking for mercy, but thanking God that He has already given it. Guilt can haunt me, usually at night, almost always with parenting. It is tempting to see our children as a report card and to strive to make them happy and then somehow find our righteousness in them. I know this is false, and yet, how subtly this lie can seep back in. We can all understand wanting our children to be happy, and yet how easily it can become a ruling force, an idol. I lay that temptation again at the Cross. And I lay down my guilt for not parenting perfectly. I cling to these truths: Heb 12:1-2 “let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, LOOKING TO JESUS, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” As the Psalmist lifts up his soul to the Lord, the author of Hebrews looks to Jesus. The answer is turning away from my own reflection and looking to Him. Perspective of all things, changes.
This Psalm also reminded me of His promise to continue His good work in me—and that so strengthens and encourages me. Phil. 1:6 “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” And that the mercy, the forgiveness is already granted. No amount of failure I can commit can ever separate me from His love—truly amazing! Romans 8:38-39 “ For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
“To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust;”. To Him—He is the One who has washed me, who steadies me, who continues to forgive me, and who can lead me in the paths of righteousness. Lord, help me to lift up my soul to You, to You alone. With every morning, every weak moment. Those times later in the day when I am tempted to be selfish. When I turn my eyes to You, I remember that You see me. You see my struggle. You long to lead me. Remind me Lord to lay down my pride, my self-justifying, my complaining spirit. To lay down my Self, and enthrone You. Thank You Lord for You gracious mercy, new every morning.
14. What is your take-a-way and why?
The beauty of how Gracious the Lord is to me despite me-that it is all Grace and the beauty of resting in His Grace and His mercy alone-remembering that He has rather than asking that He would shed his mercy on me.
In particular today with whatever troubles come-and they will! To honestly go to Him and plead for Him to help me remember and rest in who He is..and when I fail-and I will, to rest in humble confidence in His finished work on the cross and resurrection which means I need to be alert and speak truth to my soul.
I also am quickened to be reminded of Song of Songs and David’s intimacy with God in this Psalm..“Turn to me..”.
..and the thing is is that He IS turned to me-it is finished. So I can come to Him with a humble confidence. Amazing love how can it be..His Grace blows me away. :)))
13. After listening, share:
A. How does Reeves view Psalm 25? It is an application to Psalm 24. (Application Psalms are often at the end of a ‘set’ of Psalms as Psalm 32 is also an application for the set of 22-31). In this case Psalm 25 speaks about Christ. It is not Christ speaking. But it expands the theme of 24 where we see Christ’s ascension. Christ went ‘up’. Now the psalmist lifts ‘up’ his soul to the Lord.
B. What did you learn about the name of the Lord? This discussion intrigues me. The NAME of the Lord is sometimes capitalized and in context with Isaiah 30: 27 and 28, we see that the NAME is actually personified. (It acts, has anger, wrath, lips, a tongue, breath, shakes nations, puts within the laws of people as it wishes etc.) So Reeves says that the name IS YHWH rather than the name OF YHWH. He also states how this is carried forth in the lives of New Testament believers and elsewhere in scripture.
C. When Reeves looked back at Psalm 19, he said it revealed creation was more about the kindness of the Lord than the power of the Lord. Why? Creation is a gift to us. It is a gift from his grace and grace pre-existed before creation..… (~my thoughts~ this is a truth that ought to really make Christians respond and take action against the abuse and neglect of this wonderful gift. As recipients of this gift, we should be, more than anyone, working toward treating creation with as much care, gentleness and environmentally sound practices as we can in this fallen world).
D. What other notes and comments do you have? I really like the quick summaries Reeves gives to see the whole bigger picture of sets of Psalms. For instance, when he spoke of Psalm 28 and how the passage in Hebrews so details how Jesus prayed with petitions to his Father…..it just ignites my passion for understanding the whole of scripture in a greater way. The discussions of grace and mercy and the questions asked by the students (though not always easy to hear) was very thought provoking as well. His emphasis several times that we receive mercy BECAUSE God extended mercy/saving grace to Jesus when he raised him from the dead became clear to me for the first time. We do not receive a status of being accepted by God in some abstract deliverance of his grace but because we are IN Christ and the grace has already been given to Christ. We don’t need to beg for mercy as though there is a load of it hanging around that is available but we’re not sure if and when and how much is for us. Instead, it has already been given in full measure to Christ and we are co-heirs of it because we are IN CHRIST. We REMEMBER that mercy and declare it when we recognize our ever present need for it.
I also love seeing how these Psalms fit together in such significant ways. Reeves said that Psalm 22 and 31 book-end the cross as Jesus quoted from both of them as he was dying. Profoundly influences my view of how important the Psalter was and is.
I loved that too, Wanda — the bookends from the cross…
Saturday take away: God is doing a work in my heart. This week challenged me with the simple but difficult truth that I can and need to continually ask God for his guidance. He will guide me. But I need to come humbly before him and I need to REMEMBER his mercy. Jesus prayed in detailed petition to his Father and the Father God delivered Jesus and extended his great mercy and grace in full measure. Not that Jesus needed it as he had never done anything to dis-bar or impair him from receiving it BUT it was because of God’s kindness and goodness and favor. I don’t need to beg for mercy but realize that when I am IN CHRIST I am already an heir to the full measure of grace and mercy and I need to REMEMBER that and know that God has given it to me. These truths are very significant to me as I’ve been feeling the heavy weight of a couple of deep struggles this week. And sometimes, when I read of the lives of other Christians I find myself more confused and discouraged. Sometimes because I am so frustrated that their actions and beliefs are so different than how I view God in his righteousness and holiness. But also because sometimes, I see their lives (adult children who are deeply in love with the Lord and serving him, for example. I also see believers who are completely at peace with and fully engaged with their places of worship as I once was before so much changed in my life and in my church) and the sorrow and the questioning comes back to me. How long? I am seeking the Lord continuously and spending large amounts of time with him. I am both hopeful and discouraged when I think of how much I long for his leading in these areas. But the things I am learning and have been confronted with this week ARE shaping me.
Wanda, I feel that I perhaps identify with a couple of things you are confused and discouraged about, too. Looking at the lives of others (Christians who have adult children who are deeply in love with the Lord and serving Him…) when it seems that my children do not. I then look at myself and wonder where I went wrong, or that perhaps because I didn’t become a Christian until in my late 20’s and I was still trying to figure it all out, I wasn’t able to pass on to them a strong, mature faith. I didn’t lead by example, I guess. I also am not a peace or fully engaged with where I attend church. Even today as I left church, I wonder why I feel so isolated and alone there, why real fellowship and even ONE friend seems out of reach? I can’t explain it…I go to an all ladies’ Sunday school class and the women are “nice”, but there’s no sense, at least for me, that these are my sisters in Christ, that there’s someone I can connect with more than for a few moments of chit-chat. I only know them on a surface-level, like acquaintances. Maybe I’m expecting too much? At times I feel like I’m ready to give-up on going to church altogether.
I’m sorry that you resonate with those two things, Susan, because your struggle seems very hard. When it comes to unbelieving kids, I think I have concluded that there is no answer as to ‘why’…..because I surely know parents who have many different backgrounds whose kids haven’t found peace with the Lord. One of my friends tells me every time we talk…’the story isn’t over yet.’ and I do know that is true but the waiting gets long and I especially don’t want them to spend so many years pursuing other beliefs and missing what God has to give them….even for this life. I hope so much that you will be able to have a good nurturing relationship with another woman whether at church or somewhere else so you have that person, near by to help and encourage each other. As I pray about my church and parenting struggles, I want to remember to pray for you too.
14. What is your take-a-way and why? I have a lot demanding my time right now in life. This is the first study in weeks that I have been able to finish all the questions (though I always listen to the sermon). My take-a-way is to make time for study. I have allowed the enemy to use excuses – “I don’t have time.” “I am too tired.” Etc. Sometimes demands in life seem inescapable, but I am seeing that even though I do have commitments, my mindset needs to change in the priority. I have had a sense of “unhappiness” in my spirit desiring more time with Him but feeling blocked from being able to spend that time in study. Some of that block I now see, after studying Psalm 25, as battle in the spiritual realm. Though I have noticed a difference in my heart in waiting on Him for long term or “big” life things I am challenged to wait on Him more, literally, for every day and in daily priorities lifting my soul to Him and trusting for the outcome.
Takeaway:This week was a real PAIN! and healing. I haven’t thought this much for a long time (if ever) about shame and guilt; plus, examining spiritual warfare was so timely because I have been in the midst of it. This week’s study kept me from being oblivious to it . I also became more aware of waiting on the Lord — and realized that waiting and waiting on the Lord are not the same 🙂 He did provide guidance on a decision that I had been waiting to make, and I am so relieved. In the midst of examining shame and guilt, I was very aware that my hope is in the Lord. I am so thankful for Dee’s reminder to keep on speaking truth to my soul. Though my hope wavers, the Lord is steady.
I know that the above sentences sound like more breadth than depth. The depth is there, maybe still too tender to describe. This study was EXACTLY what I needed at EXACTLY the right time.
How does Reeves view Psalm 25?
Psalm 25 is a response or application of the preceding psalms.
What did you learn about the name of the Lord?
In many places ‘the name of the Lord’ is not just a way of referring to the Lord. It is the Lord. The name of the Lord is active and powerful.
What other notes and comments do you have?
I need to find some speakers to attach to my computer! The levels on this recording seem quite low so I am missing a lot and finding it really difficult to listen. Or perhaps I’m getting old, and need a hearing check?
Kerryn, I also found this link harder to hear…..and also it didn’t have the options of reverse and forward which I often do when I’m taking notes. Wonder if there might be another way to link to it? I am a low tech person….so don’t know how that might be, however. 🙂