Reflection of the Week - 23 February 2021

Posted Feb 23, 2021 in Faith

Psalm 25:1-10 expresses some central and important theological themes: dependence on God for protection from enemies; requests for God to direct and teach; confession of sin and cries for forgiveness; and confidence in God’s abiding presence and faithfulness.

The psalm begins with a reference that indicates dependence and humility. To lift the hands toward God was for ancient Israelites a posture of prayer and supplication. The expression ‘I lift up my soul’ is a metaphor for what the outstretched hands meant. It indicates that the person is open to God’s grace, leadership, and direction. The outstretched soul does not depend on self, but on God.

Psalm 25:1-10 speaks to the church and its people with themes of faith and dependence on God that are crucially important. As the believer anticipates God’s salvation, he or she displays the kind of dependence on God that characterises the whole psalm and the whole Christian faith. Such waiting is not passive, however. The person who waits for the Lord must be attentive to what God will do. Prayer and reflection are the main expressions of this waiting. Such active waiting, in turn, naturally encourages kindness and compassion to others. Verse 9 says this directly: ‘He leads the humble in what is right.’

Extract from ‘Working Preacher’

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