If

If-n-Will

(6-26-05)

Psalm 25

Choice and consequence, choice and consequence such is the way of life. All of the days of your life are an endless unfolding of the results of the random decisions of humanity. The ebb and flow of life. Every day you walk through an immense web of interconnected and interacting events.

David, being open and receptive to the movings of the Holy Spirit, writes for us an insight worthy of the read. Some affirmative truths –

‘No one who hopes in the Lord will ever be put to shame.’ (# 3)
‘Good and upright is the Lord; therefore He instructs sinners in His ways.’ (# 8)
‘All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful for those who keep the demands of His covenant.’ (# 10)
‘Who then is the man that fears the Lord? He will instruct him in the way chosen for him.’ (# 12)
‘The Lord confides in those who fear Him; He makes His covenant known to them.’ (# 14)

Each of these is an indicator of the futures yet unfolded. The if-n-will of life. If you put your hope in the Lord then the Lord will respond to your hearts moving in His direction.

I like what David has done for us in this Psalm. David was sure to include the humble state of his own existence. In each of these ifs he gives us a glimpse of his own struggles. Proverbs tells us that one hates or does not listen to instruction is foolish. David in recognition of his own needs cries out for instruction.

David understands two things: God is loving and merciful and he is a sinner. Knowing these two things affords him the wisdom to know that without God showing him His ways David’s own choices will most certainly be like so many of his previous ones – rebellious, sinful and wrong.

David is covenanted to the Lord, blessings are in abundance for those who walk in accord or in honor of their requirements. You, if you claim to be a believer, a Christian, are also a covenanted person. There are blessings and curses (bad, really bad) involved in covenants. Both blessings and curses are contractual promises. Verse 10 focuses on the good side of the if-n-wills.

God has plans for each of His children, good plans for prosperity and blessing. This is to His own glory and praise. It is good to not loose site of God’s awesomeness, he is worthy of fear and respect. We all would do well to not loose sight of that.

Psa 25:14 God-friendship is for God-worshipers; They are the ones he confides in. (The Message)

Psa 25:14 The Lord is a firmament to them that fear him:

and his covenant shall be made manifest to them.

(Douay-Rheims)

Psa 25:14 The secret of Jehovah is with those who fear

Him; and He will make them know His covenant. (Literal)

Psa 25:14a The Lord strengthens those who fear Him..

This is what I think is the gist of the matter. When a person respects and honors and befriends someone of power and influence and ability they gain something from that relationship. When a person opens their life up to God in respect of Him being God, God opens Himself up to them.