Whom Do You Trust?
My eyes are always on the LORD, for he rescues me . . .. Psalms 25:15
Psalms 25:1-14
1 O LORD, I give my life to you.
2 I trust in you, my God! Do not let me be disgraced, or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat.
3 No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced, but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others.
4 Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow.
5 Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long, I put my hope in you.
7 Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth. Remember me in the light of your unfailing love, for you are merciful, O LORD
8 The LORD is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray.
9 He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way
10 The LORD leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant and obey his demands.
11 For the honor of your name, O LORD, forgive my many, many sins.
14 The LORD is a friend to those who fear him.
Who Do You Trust? A Lesson in Trust and Assurance
“Who Do You Trust?” was a popular American television game show that aired from September 30, 1957, to December 27, 1963. Scheduled at 3:30 pm Eastern, the show captured the attention of young viewers returning home from school. The title, however, sparked outrage among English teachers due to its grammatical inaccuracy; the correct phrasing should have been “Whom Do You Trust?”
The show’s original host, Edgar Bergen, was later replaced by Johnny Carson, and Ed McMahon soon joined as the announcer. This pairing marked the beginning of a legendary partnership that would last until 1992. The format of the show featured three couples, often a man and a woman with unique backgrounds, competing in a quiz. Carson would reveal the category of a question to the male contestant, who then had to decide whether to answer it himself or “trust” his partner to do so. The winning couple could return until defeated, with one couple amassing an impressive $120,800 in winnings.
The show catapulted Johnny Carson into the public eye, and in March 1962, he was invited to take over The Tonight Show from Jack Paar. The rest, as they say, is history.
A World in Need of Trust
In our fallen world, trust is a rare and precious commodity. Self-centeredness, betrayal, and cruelty dominate, leaving many longing for someone they can rely on. Sadly, trustworthy individuals are few and far between. This universal need for trust raises an important question: Whom can we trust?
The answer lies in the timeless wisdom of the Scriptures. Psalms 25 is a profound expression of trust, described by Delitzsch as “a calmly confident prayer for help.” It is a psalm that invites us to place our confidence in the Father, even in the face of uncertainty and adversity.
The Context of Psalms 25
Psalms 25 offers a glimpse into a reflective moment in David’s life. Unlike other psalms that cry out for immediate help, this one is not born from urgent or life-threatening situations. Instead, it is a prayer of trust and introspection, written solely to the Father but preserved through divine inspiration for everyone to see.
David recognizes the challenges around him: the presence of enemies, the burden of past sins, and the need for guidance. He remembers the foolishness of his youthful rebellion and seeks forgiveness, but more importantly, he longs for a renewed connection with the Father. His prayer is a request for divine instruction and intervention, a plea for the Father to guide him in the right way to live.
The Tone of Psalms 25
As Kidner notes, “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.” The psalm reflects an inward focus, tinged with sadness and loneliness, yet rooted in unwavering trust.
Imagine David as a young shepherd, alone in the fields with only sheep and the occasional predator for company. Humanly speaking, he was isolated. Yet, instead of succumbing to loneliness, David drew closer to the Father, finding joy and strength in His presence.
Psalms 25:21 captures this sentiment beautifully: “May integrity and honesty protect me, for I put my hope in you.”
Trusting in the Father’s Nature
David’s trust in the Father is not based on his own worthiness but on the Father’s unchanging nature and character. As Charles Stanley explains, “God saves us, not because He thinks we’re smart or worthy of His Son’s work on our behalf, but because of His own nature and goodness. He saves us for His name’s sake and for His glory.”
Our confidence and hope should rest solely in the Father. His faithfulness and love are the foundation of our trust, providing a calm assurance even amid life’s uncertainties.
Father, thank You that I can have a confident, calm assurance and trust in You alone.
INSIGHT
Trusting the Father: A Relationship of Unfailing Love
When children of the King trust in the Father, they experience His unfailing love and faithfulness. The Father forgives their many sins and chooses not to remember their rebellious acts. Instead of punishing them for their sinful behavior, He responds with mercy and steadfast love, offering grace without limit.
The Father as a Friend
Psalms 25:14 declares: “The LORD is a friend to those who fear him.”
Trusting and honoring the Father offers a special privilege: He becomes our friend. David, with deep confidence, knew this truth well. He was certain that the Father had his back, offering guidance, protection, and companionship in every situation.
The Hebrew word translated as “friend,” “secret,” “guidance,” “plan,” or “counsel” is sod. This term emphasizes “the intimate relationship the Father shares with those who respect and draw close to Him.” It connotes a “close friendship characterized by social and emotional intimacy.” It conveys the idea of a “trusted confidant, someone with whom secrets and plans are shared.” This same word appears in Amos 3:7: “Indeed, the Sovereign LORD never does anything until he reveals his secret plans to his servants the prophets.”
The Father’s relationship with His prophets illustrates this closeness. Just as people confide their secrets to their closest friends, the Father reveals His plans to those who walk closely with Him.
A Shepherd’s Trust in the Father
Picture David standing alone and isolated in the fields with his sheep. Yet, he was never truly alone. Visualize the Father leaning close, whispering words of comfort and reassurance. “It’s okay, my son. You are not alone. I am here, and I’ve got this.” David had heard the Father’s voice and felt His presence, learning to trust Him in all of life’s circumstances.
This trust is beautifully captured in Psalms 25, which Tesh and Zorn have aptly called “The Prayer of a Trusting Soul.” David’s prayer is neither frantic nor anxious. Instead, it is a calm proclamation of confidence in the Father. In every situation, David declares, “Father, I trust in you.” This perspective is not only magnificent but also attainable for every child of the King. What a privilege it is to live with such assurance!
A Prayer of Confidence and Assurance
Psalms 25 is a prayer of confidence, reflecting on the Father’s great acts in the lives of His children. Unlike a desperate cry for help in a moment of crisis, Psalms 25 is a steady, assured prayer covering a range of topics. It addresses the Father’s perceived absence, the threat of enemies, personal failure and repentance, the need for instruction and teaching, and the desire for divine intervention. These themes mirror the events that shaped David’s life.
Psalms 25:1 begins with a declaration of surrender: “O LORD, I give my life to you.”
This psalm arose from David’s reflection on the Word of God and his lifelong journey of learning and trust. The Father had prepared David for this moment, and David knew the answer to the ultimate question: “Whom do you trust?” His response was clear; he trusted in the Father alone.
A Model for Every Child of the King
David’s steadfast faith, as depicted in Psalms 25, serves as a powerful model for all children of the King who seek a deeper trust in the Father. His prayer is more than just words; it is a sincere attitude of surrender, reliance, and anticipation of the Father’s unfailing love, forgiveness, companionship, and friendship. Those who meditate on God’s Word and nurture a close relationship with Him can confidently experience the Father’s unending protection and direction, enabling them to say, “Father, I trust in you,” regardless of what they face.
David’s prayer demonstrates that trusting the Father replaces fear, loneliness, and doubt with courage and peace. By entrusting their worries to Him and seeking His guidance regularly, children of the King find an anchor in His unwavering goodness and faithfulness.
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© Dr. H 2025
Dr H Reflections 