The Path of Mercy - Part 1

David’s Prayer

David’s prayer life always amazes me! Many psalms we read show great heartache and triumph in the same prayer. 1 Samuel 30:6b states, “but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.” When times got challenging, David knew where to run. 1 Samuel 13:14 tells us that David was the man after God’s own heart. Psalm 25 gives us an insight into David’s heart. Therefore, we get a glimpse into God’s own heart. Over the following few articles, I’d like us to see the path of mercy that God has each Christian on. He’s been so good, and He’s been so merciful. I pray the Lord will encourage you through His Word.

In Psalm 25:1-7, we find David pouring his heart out to God. The Bible is not clear precisely what is happening to David when he pens this scripture under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. We can see that he is deep in the middle of a trial. I’m sure you have felt the way that David felt. You’ve poured your heart out to God, begging for relief or rescue. This is where we find David in verses 1-3. David is asking for deliverance from the trial. You’re either headed into a trial, in a trial, or coming out of a trial. When in a trial, don’t focus on that ‘why’ but the ‘how.” Go to the Lord and ask Him to teach you how to be useful through the trial.

David prayed that God would lead him in God’s truth. He asked for God to show him His path in verse 4. David also penned it well in Psalm 119. God’s Word is described as a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. David ran to the truth. He showed a dedication to truth. He ran to God! My friend, trials will come. Heartache will come. Run to the Word of God! A great trial can feel like you’re walking in the pitch-black darkness of night. Pick up the Light unto your path! Let him guide you a few steps at a time. Don’t toss the Lamp to the side and stumble on your own. I pray you’ll seek the Lord through His Word.

Psalm 25:6-7 shows us David’s desire for tender mercy. He begins by reminding God of his tender mercies and loving-kindness. He reminds God that he’s always been this way. His mercy goes back for generations. There are two amazing truths we see here. David pleads with God, saying, “Remember not… according to thy mercy.” He then follows, “Remember... for thy goodness’ sake.” What a truth! Lord, please don’t remember all the wrong I have done. Don’t remember those things because you’re merciful. Instead, Lord, remember me because of the good God that you are. It’s because of your goodness I have anything. It’s because of your goodness that I have salvation through Christ. It’s because of your goodness I have the hope of heaven. God is so good, and He is so merciful.

David’s prayer in Psalm 25 is powerful. My friend, would you consider this prayer today? Perhaps you’ve been running from God, trying every option but Him. Pray that you will find deliverance from your trial. Renew your dedication to truth. Go to Him with your desire for tender mercy. God is faithful, and He is good. He’ll hear your prayer. Friend, I’m praying for you as you follow the path of mercy.