Psalm 25:16-22

    16      Turn Yourself to me, and have mercy on me,
    For I am desolate and afflicted.
    17      The troubles of my heart have enlarged;
    Bring me out of my distresses!
    18      Look on my affliction and my pain,
    And forgive all my sins.
    19      Consider my enemies, for they are many;
    And they hate me with cruel hatred.
    20      Keep my soul, and deliver me;
    Let me not be ashamed, for I put my trust in You.
    21      Let integrity and uprightness preserve me,
    For I wait for You.
    22      Redeem Israel, O God,
    Out of all their troubles!
-Psalm 25:16-22

As we read this, let us not forget the context behind this passage that we have gone through the past several days. The last verse we had read was David talking about his eyes being ever turned towards the Lord. It is from that he is able to call out for the Lord to turn to him. Remember in James 4 where we are instructed to draw near to Him. In drawing near to Him, He will draw near to you. This same principle is applied here.

It is an unfortunate common trend among believers to exclusively cry out to the Lord in times of trouble. What is particularly unfortunate about this trend is that it is incredibly difficult to approach the Lord in faith having not had our eyes already upon Him. Our prayers then do not resemble this Psalm where David has such confidence in the Lord in prayer. Instead they look like a final cry of desperation, lacking much substance, hoping that the Lord would take pity on us in our situation.

Having your eyes then already set upon the Lord, put into practice those things in which we have already discussed through our previous devotions. Trust in the Lord whole heartedly. Remember where He has brought you victory. Hold closely to the promises given in Scripture and remember how the Lord regards the faithful and the righteous. Pray in faith and in confidence when you turn to the Lord.