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Psalm 25:16-22 Consider me, O Lord

July 19, 2021 | by: Gregg Hunter | 1 comments

Posted in: Psalm 25

All of us have gone through a difficult trial at some time in your life. But have you ever had the experience of a second trial beginning while you are still facing the first? What about having a third or a fourth all happening simultaneously?

As David concludes Psalm 25, it is as if all of the concerns of his heart overflow out of his mouth. He lists no less than 10 specific causes of his anxiety: “lonely,” “afflicted,” “troubles,” “distresses,” “affliction,” “trouble,” “sins,” “foes,” “hatred,” and “shame.”

Yet, with all of these trials attacking him at the same time, David finds his peace in God.

 

Please read Psalm 25:16-22.

 

Have you ever felt like the entire world was against you? That’s how David feels in this moment. His enemies are spewing violence and hatred. His guilt over his sin is gnawing at him. He is facing serious problems at work and with his family. He is in big trouble.

Yet, he doesn’t complain about these sources of woe as much as he lists them to get God’s attention. David does not follow Naomi’s example and accuse God of causing all of his trouble. Nor does he follow Job’s example and challenge God to defend His actions against him. In his distress, David feels abandoned by God, and he simply wants to restore their fellowship.

With numerous imperatives, he cries out to God: “Turn to me!” “Be gracious to me!” “Bring me out!” “Consider me!” “Forgive me!” “Deliver me!” If he could just have God's attention, then David would be satisfied!

After shouting all of these prayers, David concludes with contentment in simply being in God’s presence: “I take refuge in you… I wait for you.” All of the trials and tribulations, all of the sources of concern that he earlier listed are nothing compared to the contentment that comes from resting in God’s presence.

What a great reminder for us today! God is greater than all the challenges that this world will throw at us. Whether you are facing difficulty at work, at home, within your own heart, or from enemies unknown, God is greater than them all! If you would but rest in His presence, you can find contentment in the midst of the trials.

Yet, this personal contentment is not how David ends this Psalm. There is one final prayer: “Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.” The truly content follower of God does not focus purely on their own needs. When you are completely satisfied with God, you desire for others to experience that same satisfaction. Only God can fully meet their needs, and your prayer shifts from being self-centered to being intercessory.

I may be going through a mountain of trials, but when I find my rest in God, my heart begins to go out to my brother who is facing trials of his own. God, help my brothers and sisters in Christ, like you have helped me!

1 COMMENTS

Jenny Balzano

Mar 16, 2021

I can relate to David. I recall- my father was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. Their home was not suitable for him to live in with his most recent diagnosis. We moved my parents in to live with us while we helped to care for them. God opened a door for me to take a new job (after a 20 year career at HD). This new job offered flexibility with my schedule to take my Dad to his chemo appointments. We began tearing down their house for a rebuild- me acting as the GC. 6 months later- my Mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. I pushed on. My job quickly turned for the worst- they began losing their dignity and showing their true colors. I was miserable at work. The saying- God does not give you more than you can bear: I came to realize- this saying is not true. God will give you more than you can bear so that your only choice is to rely on him to carry you through. My Type A- "in control" personality- was able to juggle and manipulate my schedule at it's best to make everything work. But I soon turned to God, because this load was too much to bear. God sent help in ways that I cannot even understand from some people that I didn't even really know. This is when I found my true rest and deliverance. My God did not take away my difficulties- I only went through more. My father passed away- we were blessed to have him for almost 3 more years (the Dr's gave him 90 days-Praise God). My mother's cancer metastasized and God took her home just a little over a year after my father's passing. God taught me- that I must call on him for all things. He is my comforter and my strength. He is still 'leading me beside the still waters..I will fear no evil for though art with me all the days of my life" Amen :)

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