“Why bother?”

By Rev. Michael Stonhouse

Meditation – Monday, July 17, 2023

Psalm 25 (Forward, p. 80) CEV p. 568

There are many people, both past and present, who would be inclined to say, “Trust God? Why bother?” They certainly don’t see what the benefit or advantage would be in trusting God.

To these questions, our psalmist, David, has a ready answer—several answers, in fact:

a) Firstly, he mentions God’s direction, God’s guidance for life:

“Show me your paths and teach me to follow; guide me by your truth and instruct me. You keep me safe, and I always trust you” (verse 5-60;

“You lead humble people to do what is right and to stay on your path” (verse 9);

“You will show the right path to all who worship you. They will have plenty, and then their children will receive the land” (verses12-13);

b) Secondly, he talks about God’s mercy and forgiveness, a forgiveness that spans all of his life, past, present and future;

“Please,, Lord, remember, you have always been patient and kind. Forget each wrong I did when I was young. Show how truly kind you ae and remember me” (verse 7);

“Be true to your name, Lord, by forgiving each one of my terrible sins” (verse 11);

“See my troubles and misery and forgive my sins” (verse 18);

c) And finally, he says something about God’s protection

”I always look to you, because you rescue me from every trap”

(verse 15);

“Look at all my enemies! See how much they hate me. I come to you for shelter. Protect me, keep me safe, and don’t disappoint me” (verses 19-20).

But, in one sense, all of this, all of this ‘activity’, pales in relation to what God is like, that is, God’s character. According to our psalmist David, God is patient and kind, honest and merciful, and always faithful to His people and His promises. Therefore, our psalmist was able offer Him his heart and obey Him with all his heart. Because of all this—personal experience it is—he has confidence in God and is ale to trust Him. So, that is why he can bother to trust God—and why we should as well.

Forward notes: “Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for my hope has been in you” (verse 20).

“The person who influenced me the most is my maternal grandfather Raúl. Raúl was a poor, humble Cuban man. His father was a French immigrant; his mother was a native blended-race woman, a Roman Catholic who taught solid values to her children.

“Grandpa harvested sugar cane; off-season, he played the maracas in a music band. He was a man of infinite compassion who never hurt anyone. Everyone talked about his kindness, because at one time or another he had helped everyone he knew.

“When he departed to be with the Lord, I was a little girl, but I remember that his passing was the cause of great sorrow. I saw family, friends, and the whole town mourn. God rewarded Grandpa Raúl according to his integrity. The sincere love of those around him bore good fruit. I am certain that the first time I felt the love of God, it was through Grandpa’s eyes.”

Moving Forward: “What are the family stories that you would like to pass on to your children, nieces, or nephews? Make a plan to record them. Make copies and keep the originals, along with old photographs, in a safe place.”