The God of our Salvation
By Sarah Ivill, Guest Writer
Today’s Treasure
"O Lord, in your strength the king rejoices, and in your salvation how greatly he exults!" Psalm 21:1
Have you recognized times in your life when your view of God was too small? Did you forget that He is a mighty warrior when you were going through a battle too big for you to handle? In the valley of depression did you forget that the Lord is your Shepherd? In the monotonous moments of your week did you fail to remember the grandeur and glory of the King? Psalms 20-25 have reminded us this week that God is the mighty Warrior, the tender Shepherd, and the glorious King. Today, we close with verses from Psalm 25.
The Psalm begins:
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 (vv. 1-2)
In the middle of the Psalm we read:
For your name’s sake, O LORD,
pardon my guilt, for it is great (v. 11)
Then it closes with these words:
Redeem Israel, O God,
out of all his troubles (v. 22)
David begins by speaking about the fear of the Lord (Psalm 5:1-7). We know from earlier Psalms that the law of the Lord is our guide for godly living (see Psalms 1 and 19). However, as we strive to obey the Lord, we are confronted with three enemies. First, the enemy within (our own heart) reminds us of past sins. Second, the devil attempts to exult over us. Third, the world around us tempts us to walk in its ways. Psalm 25 reminds us of four important truths. In every aspect of life, we must fear the Lord. When our enemies threaten us, we must trust in the Lord to deliver us. When we need guidance, we must look to the Lord as our Leader and Teacher. And when we sin, we must look to the Lord as our Savior.
Next, David speaks of the forgiveness of the Lord (Psalm 25:8-11). David’s confidence is rooted in God’s covenant love. The Lord forgives because He has chosen to enter into a covenant relationship with His people. Forgiveness is not dependent upon us, but upon Him, and His mercy is greater than our sins.
David goes on to speak about the friendship of the Lord (25:12-14). If you are feeling lonely today or betrayed by someone you thought was your friend, be encouraged. The Lord doesn’t leave us alone but draws near to us as a friend. He instructs us when we need guidance. He provides for our needs. He blesses us with spiritual blessings in Christ. And He reveals Himself to us through the Scriptures.
David closes by speaking of freedom in the Lord (25:15-22). The Lord delivers David from both distress and damnation. When our eyes are fixed on the Lord and not on our foes we find freedom. David doesn’t end on a personal note but on a prayer for the covenant community. He asks the Lord to redeem them out of all their troubles.
Psalm 25 points us to our beloved Lord and Savior. It is Christ who feared the Lord perfectly on our behalf. It is Christ who took the wrath of God for us so that our enemies will not exalt over us, and our past sins will not condemn us. It is Christ who has reconciled us to God so that we might have friendship with the Lord, not the world. And it is in Christ, the One who has redeemed us from all our troubles, that we have true freedom. Therefore, fear the Lord at all times, rest in His forgiveness, relish His friendship, and rejoice in His freedom. For “if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).
Perhaps today you are facing things you never thought you would face. Let the Psalms we have looked at this week (Psalms 20-25) encourage you. The Lord is your strength and your might. He is your tender Shepherd who carries you through suffering. And the King of glory transforms grueling circumstances for your good and His glory.
PRAYER
Father, lift up my head today so that I might see You, my Warrior, my Shepherd, and my King. Help me to rest in Your redemption and rely on You to run the race of grace. Amen.
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About the Author: Sarah Ivill (ThM, Dallas Theological Seminary) is the author of several Bible studies and books, including The Covenantal Life: Appreciating the Beauty of Theology and Community. She is a wife, mother to four children, Bible study teacher, and conference speaker who lives in Matthews, North Carolina, and is a member of Christ Covenant Church (PCA). To learn more about Sarah, visit her website: www.sarahivill.com.
For more from Daily Treasure please visit MARKINC.ORG.
Originally published Saturday, 02 March 2024.
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