Written several years ago in the midst of a difficult situation.
Psalm 25:1 “To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul;”
[It is wonderful that I can freely, transparently tell you, Lord, everything I am thinking, wanting and feeling. You know it all anyway; nothing shocks you; and you are “good and ready to forgive, and plenteous in mercy and truth to all those who call upon you” (Ps. 86:5).
I don’t need to fear being transparent, for you are not out to punish but to protect, to nurture, mature and guide. You are the God of Goodness, so I can be fully open to you.]
Psalm 25:2 “in you I trust, O my God.”
[Your Character, your Word and your Acts all give far more than ample reason for trusting you. You are perfect in Mercy and Justice; you are Lavish in Love and Kindness; you are consistent in Goodness and Grace, you are unwavering in Presence and in Power.
Your Word is living and strong, shining the light of wisdom on our way. Your actions, both in history and in the present, show your careful planning, persistent follow-though and sacrificial love in dealing with us. You are utterly trustable, and to trust you is a great opportunity to give you glory; you are totally worthy of our confidence in you.]
“Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me.”
[Yes, Lord, this is what I pray concerning the difficult issue before me. In your goodness work out what is best. May you be honored and we edified by how you bring things to a conclusion.
Psalm 25:3 “No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame,”
[My hope must be in you, for what else can I do? My feeble arguments, my weak communication, my inability to reach everyone involved are all woefully inadequate. But you are able to do these things. You are able to work all out. May this difficulty conclude in a way that will bring you glory and honor and exaltation.]
“but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse.”
[May the real enemies–Satan and his helpers–be put to shame. May those who have put culture above the Word be put to shame. May those who mishandle your Word be put to shame.
May all of your followers come together under the umbrella of your revealed Truth; may we exalt above all things your Name and your Word. I praise you now for what you will do. Amen.]