Psalm 25:16 “Turn to me and be gracious to me,”
[Praise you, Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus and Holy Spirit, that you have turned to me, and you are gracious to me when I deserved the opposite. You are faithful, persistent, wise, graciously at work in my life, for you are the Perfect Father, the Good Shepherd, the Wise Guide and the Great Protector.
I thank you for your daily gracious work in the lives of your children, as you provide our needs, lead us in paths of righteousness, protect us from our enemies with your rod, and correct us with your staff.]
Psalm 25:17 “for I am lonely and afflicted. The troubles of my heart have multiplied;”
[Although I feel lonely and abandoned, this is not true. In the midst of my troubles, you are there, working, protecting, guiding and maturing me. Therefore, I can offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving and honor you. I can praise you in the midst of uncertainty and disappointment, for you are all I need.]
“…free me from my anguish.”
[In my pain of distress and the uncertainty of the future, I look to you, to your wisdom, power and love. Your Word tells me that what you allow, including what brings me anguish, is going to be used for good.
I need to change my perspective, from short term to long term; my understanding, from human to divine; and my focus, from my comfort to your glory. In these changes and through my praising you in all, you will lessen my anguish, giving me joy in the place of distress and rest instead of turmoil.]
Psalm 25:18 “Look upon my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins.”
[My distress can surface my sins: impatience, selfishness, anger, rebellion, unbelief, trusting self instead of You, and self-pity. Forgive me for these. Take them away—I praise you that you dealt with them on the cross, wiping my record clean–bringing me further out into the freedom you purchased for me, and for each of your children, if only we will believe your Word and follow you.
Guide me today in following you, rather than myself, or my desires, or my understanding. You are the God of goodness and glory who rules in wisdom and power. I praise you now for what will come, for how you will protect, for what you will do in and for all things.
Today help me to give you honor, for it is your due; to give you love, for it is your desire; to give you obedience, for it is your right. May you be lifted up in my life today before people, angels and demons. Amen.]
