Study 85

Text: Psalm 25

PRAYING TO BE KEPT “UNASHAMED”

We have an important challenge in the following text! The psalmist David introduces us to a concept that many are not as conscious of today, sadly.

“To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul,
O my God, I trust in You;
Let me not be ashamed;
Let not my enemies triumph over me.
Indeed, let no one who waits on you be ashamed;
Let those be ashamed who deal treacherously without cause.”
Psalm 25:1-3

1. How do we understand this word “Ashamed”

A number of connotations must be borne in mind. Two sets of thoughts may be differentiated:-

a) With reference to the Lord

i) The word is associated with “disappointment”

The psalmist is praying that he (and all who trust the Lord) would not be disappointed in the exercise of faith in the Lord.

ii) The word “disappointed” is also closely related to the idea of being “let down”

The psalmist pleads earnestly that the Lord would not let him down!

b) With reference to Self

i) Awareness of the problem of sin in life

The psalmist was all too aware that his many sins could well trip him up!

ii) Awareness of human weaknesses

This was painfully obvious to the writer! He pleaded that his weaknesses

would not cause him to end up being “ashamed.”

2. A New Testament Insight

It is interesting to note that the apostle Paul wrote about this same subject in his epistle to the Philippians.

“According to my earnest expectation and hope
that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness
as always, so now also, Christ will be magnified in my body,
whether by life or by hope.”
Philippians 1:20

Paul had a similar idea in mind! He also desired to be “unashamed” in his life and ministry. His sole desire was to magnify the Lord Jesus Christ. He was all too aware that he could falter and fail along the way, but he prayed that he might be especially kept by the Lord! Let us be challenged to be kept in a similar way by the Lord!

~ Pastor Charlie Tan ~

Released 24th July 2005, © Bethany Independent-Presbyterian Church, Singapore