Focal Passage: Psalm 25:4-15
A gray-haired man and his young grandson were walking outdoors. The boy asked, “Grandpa, can a feller see God?” The grandfather stopped. He scanned the blue sky and the billowing clouds, saw the trees swaying in the wind, and the birds and squirrels flittering about. “Son,” he answered, “If a feller really looks, all he CAN see is God.”
Inspired worship happens, when everywhere we look, there is God! Today’s study, The INSPIRATION for Worship, is from The Heart of Worship series. Our focal text is Psalm 25:4-15, describing two sets of inspiring prayers and promises.
Verses 4-7: The Prayer of a SAINT
Psalm 25 is attributed to David. Whether ‘the sweet singer of Israel’ actually penned it (or one of his praise team members) this is certainly a ‘Davidic’ psalm — one of David’s collections of praise and worship songs. In verses 4-7, he’s praying for GUIDANCE.
Mike Dawson
The Psalmist looks back over his life, remembering his sinful, rebellious years. He is now saved (verse 5) and has come to the place where he waits for the Lord all the day long (verse 4). “Waiting for (or on) the Lord,” a phrase that could mean “patiently worshiping the Lord,” appears at least 60 times in the Bible. I wrote and published a Gospel pamphlet years ago entitled While You Wait. I mentioned four things anyone could do during a “W.A.I.T.”ing period: W-whisper a prayer, A-anticipate the best, I-invest in something worthwhile, and T-trust in the Lord. (By the way: is using acrostics appropriate in communicating God’s truth? Answer: this 25th Psalm itself is an acrostic poem, using the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet in succession to begin each of its 22 verses.)
Verses 8-10: The Promise of a SUPPLIER
Now God is described as good and upright. He shows sinners the way … leads the humble and teaches them HIS way. It’s as if the Psalmist is saying, God answers my every prayer for guidance and direction; He teaches me through His faithful love and truth. One of the Bible names for God is Jehovah Jireh; it means “The-Lord-our-PROVIDER.” Indeed He is; He’s the Supplier of everything His people need, our inspiration for worship!
Verse 11: The Prayer of a SINNER
“Because of Your name, Lord, forgive my sin, for it is great.” The Psalmist now seems to be recalling his coming to the Lord for salvation. This is the prayer that precedes all prayers. In this verse he’s praying for GRACE.
Verses 12-14: The Promise of a SAVIOR
God gives three distinct promises to us who pray that simple prayer: We will know how to make GOOD DECISIONS (verse 12). We’ll be able to live a GOOD LIFE that will bless family members long after we’re gone (verse 13). And we’ll understand the GOOD WORD of God (verses 13-14). To say that He reveals His covenant to them is a reminder that the Old Testament (or Covenant) and the New are made clear to us who fear Him — who have made Him our Savior and Lord. As forgiven sinners, we can even know the secret counsel of the Lord. Let us ‘duh’ciples exchange some of our constant questions for simply trusting Jesus to reveal Himself as we walk along together! B&R — Dawson is pastor emeritus at First Baptist Church, Columbia, and has served as transitional interim pastor at numerous churches since his retirement from full-time ministry.
