In this passage we see David completely surrendering his life unto the Lord by proclaiming that his hope, trust, and faith are in God alone. I think it is important to note that he isn’t just saying these things, either. He isn’t just praying to God to tell Him that he believes in Him; but rather David is petitioning Him that he may increase in hope and faith that comes in the form of action.

David is saying, “Lord, let what I believe of you not be found as a disappointment to me in the end, so increase my hope that leads to faith. And in this desire, bring forth learned obedience because only Your ways will lead me to salvation, as this world and those around me are so against You. I will actively wait for Your arrival, because I place my hope, trust, and faith in You.”

[Psalm 25.1-5]

1 To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

2 O my God, in you I trust;

let me not be put to shame;

let not my enemies exult over me.

3 Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame;

they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.

4 Make me to know your ways, O Lord;

teach me your paths.

5 Lead me in your truth and teach me,

for you are the God of my salvation;

for you I wait all the day long.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ Why does David start out the Psalm with v. 1?

+ What does he mean by ‘shame’ and ‘ashamed’? [Read Romans 5.1-5, especially v. 5]

+ What components build this term ‘faith’?

+ Is David sitting around ‘waiting’ on God?

+ We aren’t sure if David was king at the writing of this Psalm, but if he was, what does this show of how he viewed the role of king? Who was his real king, and how did that bleed into his earthly role?

+ How does this connect to Advent season?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Do I have similar prayers?

+ Read John 14.6 and 14.15. Relating to this passage, how do these speak to me given this morning’s passage? Especially in light of Advent, where we are thinking about Jesus’ promises to come back to us?

+ What are my thoughts when reading: “for You I wait all the day long”?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?