Feb. 15, 2015: Psalm 25:1-10

We encourage you to read this devotion three times a day.  Start in the morning and reflect upon the morning reflection question. Then in the afternoon, read it again and reflect using the noon question for reflection.  For the evening, take time to ponder how this has resonated with you in the day and reflecting using the evening question.  We offer a prayer with each devotion for you to pray or we invite you to pray what is in your heart.

 

Psalm 25:1-10

¹To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.²O my God, in you I trust; do not let me be put to shame; do not let my enemies exult over me.³Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame; let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.⁴Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.⁵Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long.⁶Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love, for they have been from of old.⁷Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for your goodness’ sake, O Lord!⁸Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way.⁹He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.¹⁰All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his decrees.

Reflection:

I remember my days going through elementary, middle, jr high, high school, and college, and even masters courses where some days I would be really focused and truly listening to the teachers instructions and the points he/she wanted us to learn. However, If I am honest (and if we are all honest) we will remember days going through school where the last thing we cared about was what the teacher was talking about at the front of the class. So often we view teachers as the ones who are doing the “action” in the relationship between teacher/pupil, but reciprocated action is required from the student. A good student listens, does their best to take in what the teacher is teaching, and also seeks to apply it to everyday life. No doubt, as followers of God, we have an extraordinary teacher, who instructs with words, actions, and testimony. The best way we can honor God as our teacher is to approach learning from God with humility, seeking to listen to the “still, small voice”, and when we learn something to apply to our life of discipleship. In addition, we must be enthusiastic to learn from God. God has much to teach about the ways of love, let us sit at the Master’s feet in humility, open ears and hearts to what we can learn.

Reflection Questions:

Morning: How can the way in which you were a student in school help in being a faithful learner from God?

Noon: What are some important things you have been taught by God?

Evening: How can you teach others the ways to honor and love God?

Prayer: Faithful Teacher, help us to focus and listen deeply for how you wish to transform us into people who are made whole by your grace. Give us patience and endurance to learn your ways, which are always for our good. We also ask that when we fail to understand, concentrate, or miss the mark, that you would forgive us and restore us to where we can truly listen to your Holy Spirit. Amen.