Psalm 25:12-22
Continuing David’s lament… Both yesterday and today (vv. 8-10, 12-14) David goes off his first-person speaking directly to the Lord and moves to third-person reflections. In so doing he sets a balance for the Psalm – seven personal verses early and seven personal verses later (plus that “outlier” verse 22), with the two third-person reflections interrupted by his very personal verse 11. In verses 8-10 David speaks of sinners, the humble, and the faithful. Then in verses 12-14 he continues with the faithful, “the man who fears the LORD” (v. 12a). He suggests that this “man” will receive abundant grace from the Lord: instruction, prosperity, and the Lord’s personal friendship (or secret counsel or intimacy).
I am touched by this “personal friendship” gift. We know today that we have that very gift ourselves, what Archbishop Beach speaks of so often, that “personal relationship with the Lord”. We have that available through the Holy Spirit’s indwelling. We have but to ask! I want to be that “man who fears the Lord”!
When I read many of the Psalms and OT passages I’m frequently struck by the arrogance I see by the writer. It’s usually in respect to their own behavior, and arrogance is certainly not an attribute of the Christian life. It can be a real stumbling block for me. Am I alone in thinking these thought? I do know it is my own perception that’s wrong.
Today’s Psalm was that same problem. As I pondered and prayed I found I could identify with him at a time in my life when I was working and it seemed like I was surrounded by “the world”. I could see myself kind of taking inventory of my relationship with Jesus, asking him to show me faults and praying for protection and lastly really enjoying Sunday surrounded by family.