Psalm 25:1-3 Not Ashamed

Psalm 25 is the first of seven alphabetical Psalms. In the original Hebrew, each verse began with the next letter of the Hebrew alphabet (there are only 22 letters in the Hebrew alphabet). The most famous of the alphabetical Psalms is probably Psalm 119, which dedicates an entire stanza to each letter, and is consequently the longest chapter in the entire Bible. But Psalms 34, 37, 111, 112, and 145 also follow this structural pattern.

Many people believe that David wrote Psalm 25 later in his life, as we was reflecting on his many trials. He then writes down those reflections, prayers, and meditations in this poetic fashion that many generations have since used to express their own emotions. He begins, in the first three verses by turning to God and asking Him to help David not be ashamed, even though he is suffering.

Please read Psalm 25:1-3 now.

As I read this Psalm, the first thing that stands out to me is that David is apparently suffering through some trial. We all go through various trials, and so can relate to the Psalmist. We also would be wise to follow his example in this Psalm. In our study of Ruth, we have seen how Naomi was wise to turn to God after the calamities that she faced. But, once she turned her attention inward, away from God, she became bitter towards Him and forgot about all of His many blessings.

David doesn’t fall into that trap. When his trial comes, he turns to God. Like a bird returning to its next, David lifts up his soul to God. It has been said that true prayer is “soul fellowship with God.” That is what David seeks: not just God’s hand, but God’s face. He then calls Him, “my God,” stressing the intimacy which David shares with his Lord, and affirms that David will trust in God. No matter what trials may come his way, he will not forsake the Lord.

But trials have come. These trials have brought David low. The prayer of his soul at his lowest point is “Let me not be ashamed.”

Paul declared with boldness “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation” (Romans 1:16a). But do I have such boldness? When trials bring me low and it looks to all the world like I am suffering needlessly for the sake of following Christ, am I bold in my witness? Do I lift God up, even when it brings me down?

Centuries after David, followers of God would be fed to lions, slaughtered by gladiators, beheaded, burned alive, and crucified. Even today, around the world, followers of Christ are fired from their jobs, taken from their homes, mocked in the streets, put in prison, and even executed for their faith.

As David asks God to help him not be ashamed—to stand up boldly for the faith, even while going through a terrible trial, he remembers that his prayer should not be so selfish. There are many others who are enduring such trials for the sake of the faith, and so David turns his attention to them: “Indeed, none who wait for You shall be ashamed.” “God strengthen all the potential martyrs to stand up for you!” God’s enemies may be put to shame, but may believers never be ashamed.

I want so desperately to pray this prayer, but I can be intimidated into silence by the most basic things. How often have I remained silent when I heard someone take the Lord’s name in vain? How often have I had conversations with lost people and failed to share the good news? How often have I disagreed with someone’s false religion but failed to speak up because I didn’t want to offend them?

Maybe its just me, but I am ashamed of how ashamed I have sometimes been of my faith. Lord, let me not be ashamed. Help me to boldly stand up for you. Help all those who have boldly stood up for you, and all those who have to make the choice today. Let Your people not be ashamed of You!