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!   Psalm 25:1-7 ESV

We all face trials and tribulations of varying degrees. At times, they can overwhelm us and bear down on our soul. The cause may be the consequences of our own choices or unwarranted treachery, but our struggle remains the same. The author of Psalm 25 gives us a framework to endure through these difficult times. 

In a moment of intense trials, the first act is to take your focus off the circumstances you are in and look to God. It is a “full on, 100% giving yourself over” kind of trust in the Lord. Before following the cultural norms, or entertaining suggestions from family, friends, coworkers, or searching social media for answers, we should turn to the Lord first. 

Three times the author references not being put to shame. Even while confessing his trust in the Lord, he is simultaneously asking to not let his trust be in vain. Our trials can overwhelm us so much that we cannot comprehend how God can rescue us in our situation. Yet still, in the midst of all the uncertainty and fear swirling around, the author has chosen to fully trust in the Lord and follow His Word. The depth of the author’s trust is shown in his desire to know and obediently follow the way of the Lord in the midst of dire circumstances. The Lord loves the heart that will obediently follow, even when all worldly hope seems lost. 

The author’s trust is not based on worldly things that are here today and gone tomorrow, but rooted in God’s steadfast love and abundant grace. In the midst of trials and tribulations, look to the Lord, entrust yourself to following His ways and rely on His steadfast love and abundant grace to see you though. 

Heavenly Father, life in this world is a struggle. We look forward to the day when we can be with you free from this body and world of sin. Until then, we daily fix our eyes on you. You are our God and we are your people. Do not let your name and our testimony of your love and grace towards us be put to shame. Lead us by your Spirit in your Word today. Give us the wisdom to walk in a manner that honors and represents you. Deliver us from evil and grant us your peace. Amen. 

Written By: Cameron & Kristy Greenhaw