2026 Pentecost Devotions II
Wednesday, September 23
Psalm 25:1-9
1 To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
2 O my God, in you I trust;
do not let me be put to shame;
do not let my enemies exult over me.
3 Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame;
let them 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 day long.
6 Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love,
for they have been from of old.
7 Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions;
according to your steadfast love remember me,
for the sake of your goodness, O Lord!
8 Good and upright is the Lord;
therefore he instructs sinners in the way.
9 He leads the humble in what is right
and teaches the humble his way.
“… O my God, in you I trust; do not let me be put to shame; do not let my enemies exult over me. …”
When we are struggling at work, at school, or at home, we sometime feel as if the world is out to get us. It may be that circumstances have just left us wanting, or that the situation has tumbled out of our control. Whatever the cause, we may begin to identify certain individuals or groups as enemies seeking to destroy or defame us.
Seeking to strike before stricken, we may lash out, accuse, or prematurely break-off relationships. While at times, that may prove beneficial. In the long run, it usually ends up hurting us more than the one we identify as an enemy.
The psalmist calls us in another direction. The author encourages us, first and foremost, to trust in the Lord – to allow God’s presence and power defend us and lift us up. Rather than seeing others as enemies, we are to look to the Lord for strength amidst our difficulties and troubling situations. Perhaps, then, we can recognize more clearly that which is causing our discontent and address it in ways that are more healing than destructive. It may even allow us to see as allies those we first saw as enemies and together find ways to deal with that which is disconcerting.
Prayer: Lord, you promise to be with us always. Remind me of Your presence when things in my life are going south. Rather than identifying enemies, lead me to seek out allies and friends who can help in my distress. Amen.