19 Dec 2016, Psalm 25 诗篇 25, An Alphabet of Entreaty 恳求神

Posted on Dec 22, 2016 in Devotions, Psalms |

Scripture Reading  : Psalm 25

Theme                       : An Alphabet of Entreaty

 

The Hebrew alphabet, with an occasional irregularity, supplies the framework of the psalm, in which the pressure of enemies, the need of guidance and the burden of guilt take turns to be the dominant concern. The tone is subdued, and the singer’s trust is shown in patient waiting rather than the outburst of joy that sometimes marks the climax of such a psalm. Right outside the alphabetic scheme, the final verse claims for Israel what David has petitioned for himself, so making of a personal plea a hymn for the whole congregation. [1]


Praying the Scripture

This psalm describes the life of believers well. We battle against enemies outside of us and enemies within us. We are no match for both enemies. Victory can only come through our patient dependence/prayer upon God, who alone can empower and guide us to overcome. Be devoted to prayer if you want power and victory over both enemies. You must also live righteously for God to answer you (25:21). Righteous living is not self-righteous, I-can-rely-on-my-righteousness living. Righteous living is one who humbly obeys God and when he sins, he is sad and asks God for forgiveness and power to overcome. God will answer the prayers of such righteous person and bless his children. May you stay in God’s blessing and grace.

[1] Derek Kidner, Psalms 1–72, p.  133.

 
 
 

经文：诗篇25

主题：恳求神

 

这首诗篇的架构是按希伯来文的字母表（有些例外）编写的，而其中的三个主题相互交替地出现：从敌人而来的压力、求神指引和罪的包袱。诗人的语气低沉，而他信靠神的表现是耐心等候神，不是类似诗篇常有的高潮——喜悦的爆发。最后一节处在字母架构之外，是为以色列求大卫为自己所祈求的，使这个人的祈求成为全体会众的诗歌。 [1]

用经文祷告

这首诗篇很好地叙述了信徒的生命。我们要与外在和内在的敌人争战，却又不是他们的对手。唯有藉着对神的耐心依靠与祷告，我们才能得胜，因为唯有神能赐予我们所需的能力和指引。我们若要胜过这两个敌人，就必须不住祷告。若要神应允你，你也必须按公义为神生活（25:21）。公义的生活并非自义，或自以为能依靠自己的义生活，乃要谦卑顺服神，犯罪时忧愁，求神赦免，求神赐力量得胜。神会应允这等义人的祷告，并祝福属祂的儿女。愿你活在神的祝福和恩典里。

[1] Derek Kidner, Psalms 1–72, p. 133.