The Blessed Life 2

The aim of this devotional study is to reflect on the rewards of those who fear God.

Scripture

Psalms 25:8-14

8  Good and upright is the LORD; Therefore He teaches sinners in the way.  9  The humble He guides in justice, And the humble He teaches His way.  10  All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth, To such as keep His covenant and His testimonies.

11  For Your name’s sake, O LORD, Pardon my iniquity, for it is great.

12  Who is the man that fears the LORD? Him shall He teach in the way He chooses. 13  He himself shall dwell in prosperity, And his descendants shall inherit the earth. 14  The secret of the LORD is with those who fear Him, And He will show them His covenant.

Observation

Note: To fear the Lord means to live with the knowledge that God is our creator and judge, and therefore we his servants who live according to His will and depart from evil (See Eccl 12:13-14; Psalm 34:11-14, Proverbs 3:7; 8:13)

1. What does the “good and upright Lord” do with sinners according to verse 8?
2. Verse 9 qualifies the disposition/ attitude of those who are taught by the Lord – which sinners does he teach?
3. Comparting verses 9 and 12, what link do learn about the fear of the Lord?
4. List the blessings reserved for those who fear the Lord (verses 12-14). Then explain what you understand by each of those phrases.

Reflection and Prayer

In verse 14 the Psalmist promises “the secret of the Lord is with those who fear him.”  The ESV renders the translation “friendship with the Lord is for those who fear him.”  Would you say that God regards you as friend and trusts you with the secrets and plans on his heart?  How do you feel about the fact that God wants to befriend you in that way?  Talk to God about that now!