Maybe shame but not defeat
To you, O LORD I offer my prayer;
in you, my God, I trust.
Save me from the shame of defeat;
don’t let my enemies gloat over me! (verses 1, 2)
Read Psalm 25: 1-9
There’s nothing like the threat of defeat to focus our attention on ourselves and what we need from the Lord. King David offers up a pleading prayer to God before facing his enemy in battle. He looks to the Lord as he confronts his enemy. He knows there may be shame ahead for him. There are people ready to gloat over him and make his shame long lasting and bitter.
But then faith reasserts itself. David is able to proclaim that even though there may be shame for him, there won’t be defeat.
No matter what shame or gloating enemy you face, in his own good time God will bring defeat to your seemingly victorious enemy. Until then, you can walk on, putting your trust in God. You can face your moments of fear and shame, and the barbs of the enemy, with faith in the victory of Christ.
It is to you, Lord, that I offer my prayer, because I trust in you. Save me from shame and give me faith to trust in the victory of Jesus. Amen.
by Adrian Kitson, in ‘Living Water for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2001)
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