We continue this week to glean in the garden of Psalm 25.  We told you last week this Psalm is made up of three prayers.  There are two breaks between the prayers. One in verses 8-10 I entitled PONDERINGS FOR RENEWAL, the other is in verses 12-14 we called PRINCIPLES FOR REMINDER.

Let us draw our attention to verses 8-10, PONDERINGS FOR RENEWAL, which says, “Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way. The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way. All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.”

It is here in the midst of David’s prayer that he takes a moment to meditate or ponder the character of God.  I feel meditation, musing, thinking upon the things of God is a lost art among His people.  The word, ‘meditate’, means to muse.  The word ‘muse’ is a part of a word most of us like to do today and that is ‘amusement’.  The word ‘amusement’ means no thinking.  The word, ‘meditate,’ also means to chew the cud.  The cow chews, swallows, and brings it back up until it becomes a total part of her being. 

In verse 8 we find ourselves in a school situation.  It is a sinner school.  It must be a deplorable school but oh what a teacher.  The text tells us our LORD is ‘good’ and ‘upright’.  The LORD’S goodness and uprightness are best seen at the foot of Calvary.  Jesus said there was none good but the Father.  Paul said the goodness of God leadeth to repentance.  In the beginning work of the conversion of sinners we are met with God’s goodness and justice that awakens us to who He is.

He does not teach sinners about the way but gets in the way with them.  It is there that the sinner sees a pattern to follow.  We hear that still small voice from Him saying, ‘this is the way, walk ye in it.”

In verse 9 we are confronted with advanced education for the redeemed.  We notice that the instructor is the same but the material is much more advanced.  There needs to be much pondering in this school, but oh what hopes of a working of renewal in the heart.  The word, ‘renew’, means to exchange.  When we ponder upon our LORD we exchange who we are for who He is. 

In verse 9 the word, ‘meek’, means lowly in spirit and decreasing of the self-life.  It is humility at its highest.  It is there our LORD will guide.  The word, ‘guide’, is a word for a well-worn road.  Our LORD has led the meek into the well-worn ruts of judgment. (Judicial righteousness)  We cannot go wrong when we follow the path He has laid out.  He will teach the meek because they are so teachable.  O, let us be meek and lowly before our LORD, clay in the potter’s hand, and students with a teachable spirit.

In verse 10 we find David pondering a great promise.  We are told there is a great treasure to those who keep His covenant and testimonies.  The keeping of the covenant would involve holding precious to our heart our work of conversion.  The testimonies would be the Word of God.  To those who keep these close to their heart will find mercy and truth following behind and going before them.  Let us give much time to chewing the cud each day.  Thanks to you who faithfully come to the web site for part of your time of study and meditation.