Psalm 25: 1-7…..What place does ‘shame’ play in our lives?

To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul.
O my God, in you I trust;
let me not be put to shame;
let not my enemies exult over me.
Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame;
they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.
Make me to know your ways, O LORD;
teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all the day long.
Remember your mercy, O LORD, and your steadfast love,
for they have been from of old.
Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions;
according to your steadfast love remember me,
for the sake of your goodness, O LORD!

Comment: Being wantonly treacherous describes a state of purposeful rebellion. And sadly we occasionally see it destroying someone’s life, and we must steer away from it ever being seen in us! David states emphatically that there will come a time when, if wanton treachery is entered into, the person will be ashamed! But most of the psalm is a stage before this wanton rebellion and there is a pleading with God to save him from it. Maybe one can postulate that conscience should surely bring a desire not to be ashamed. David, however, sees a need to go beyond conscience and to be taught God’s ways. He feels a need to be helped and to be led into God’s truth, and wants God to be his teacher. In daring to come thus boldly to God there is mention of that divine trilogy of God’s character – His steadfast love, His mercy and His willingness to forgive.

Prayer: Teach me Your ways, O God, I pray.