What is expected? ∙

What is expected? ∙

What does the LORD require of you, but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? – Micah 6:8

Deuteronomy 10:12 What does the LORD your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the LORD your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul.

How Do Players Become Part of an NFL Team?

The NFL is a highly competitive professional sports league, and joining an NFL franchise involves a structured, multi-step process that demands exceptional talent, dedication, and thorough evaluation. Each year, aspiring athletes attempt to earn a spot on an NFL roster, mainly through the annual NFL Draft.

However, the process actually begins with the NFL Scouting Combine, often called the “Path to the Draft.” This key event takes place annually in late February or early March in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Combine is a week-long event where roughly 300 top college football prospects are invited to showcase their athletic abilities and football-specific skills in front of scouts, coaches, and general managers from all 32 NFL teams.

What is expected of them? They must demonstrate their strength, speed, and overall athleticism. Depending on their position, they also need to show specific skills, such as passing, pass-catching, or running.

While most prospects perform as expected, a few surpass expectations and emerge as “winners,” significantly improving their draft prospects. The goal of the combine is to evaluate and rank players, identifying the most promising prospects for each position.

A Comprehensive Evaluation Process

The Combine, while an important event, is just one part of the comprehensive evaluation process. Besides the Combine, teams thoroughly analyze detailed game footage from a player’s college career, reviewing their performance in different situations and against various levels of competition.

Teams also conduct in-depth interviews to connect with the players and assess their character, work ethic, and football intelligence. These conversations often explore a player’s motivations and background more deeply. Additionally, thorough background checks are performed to review a prospect’s history both on and off the field, ensuring they match the team’s culture and values.

What Does the Father Expect of Us?

Many people wonder what the Father expects from us. It is natural to see life as a spiritual test where we must prove ourselves worthy of heaven. Instead of showing physical strength or speed, we might believe we need to achieve a high level of moral or spiritual excellence. Often, we think there is a way to measure up and qualify.

This way of thinking is not new. During the time of the prophet Micah in ancient Israel, religious Jews believed that sacrifices and offerings were essential to please God. They thought that the more they gave, the better their standing with Him would be. But this approach raises an uncomfortable question: How could they ever know if they had done enough? This is the core problem with merit-based efforts; there’s no clear way to determine when enough is enough.

The Father’s Clear Expectations

The Father directly addresses this issue by defining what He considers good and acceptable. His expectations differ significantly from human assumptions. What matters most to Him is not our actions or offerings, but who we are inside and how we demonstrate that in our everyday lives.

Hosea 6:6 says, “I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings.”

Similarly, Micah 6:6-8 addresses the question of what God truly requires: “What can we bring to the LORD? What kind of offerings should we give him? Should we bow before God with offerings of yearling calves? Should we offer him thousands of rams and ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Should we sacrifice our firstborn children to pay for our sins? No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”

REFLECT & PRAY

In simple terms, the Father calls us to live lives characterized by justice, mercy, and humility. We are called to act with fairness and righteousness, to love kindness and compassion, and to prioritize walking humbly with Him above everything else. These qualities reflect a heart that aligns with God’s character rather than just a list of external achievements.

Father, Your lovingkindness is better than life. Teach me to love mercy and live it out in my daily walk. May my life reflect Your justice, compassion, and humility. Please make it so.

INSIGHT

The Tension Between Action and Attitude

Despite the clear teachings of the Scriptures, human nature often defaults to action rather than attitude. Our fallen DNA seems hardwired to focus on doing instead of being. However, this perspective is fundamentally flawed. We have it backward.

1 Samuel 12:24 says: “Only fear the LORD and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.”

These verses highlight a profound truth: the Father’s expectations are not about external actions alone but about the condition of our hearts.

The Heart of God

The qualities described in Micah 6:8 reflect the very nature of God. He is just, righteous, good, and kind. His character is defined by unwavering loyalty, grace, mercy, and lovingkindness. These attributes are not just ideals; they are the essence of Who He is.

What does the Father ask of us? He calls us to imitate Him. Our attitudes, values, and sensitivities should mirror His. When our hearts align with His, our actions naturally follow, showing His character in our daily lives.

Living Sacrifices

When discussing sacrifices and offerings, the Scriptures move the focus from outward rituals to inward intentions. Romans 12:1 states, “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”

Instead of offering animal sacrifices, we are called to be living sacrifices. This means dedicating our whole being, body, mind, and spirit to the Father. True worship is not about what we give, but about who we are.

Justice, Kindness, and Humility

The Father’s expectations are simple yet profound. He calls us to:

  1. Do Justice
    To do justice means acting with fairness, honesty, and integrity. It involves doing what is right, even when it is difficult.
  1. Love Kindness
    The Father does not merely ask us to be kind; He asks us to love kindness. The Hebrew word for “kindness,” hesed, carries a depth of meaning that no single English word can fully capture. Often translated as “lovingkindness, mercy, or loyalty,” hesed represents a “steadfast, faithful love,” a “love that will not let me go.”

Hesed is the core of the Father’s heart. He desires His children not only to cherish hesed but also to embody it in their interactions with others.

  1. Walk Humbly with God
    Walking humbly with God means living dependently, with reverence and in submission to Him. It stresses the importance of prioritizing our relationship with the Father above all else.

The Impact of Lovingkindness

The way we demonstrate lovingkindness, or the lack of it, might be the only glimpse of the Father’s love that others see in their lives. When we fully live out the concept of hesed, we do so with steady, unwavering love filled with compassion and mercy. We reflect the Father’s heart in our interactions with those around us.

This strong connection not only influences how we interact but also has the power to touch others’ hearts, revealing the Father’s love through our daily actions and relationships. Through our kindness, we can generate a ripple effect, inspiring others to experience the transformative power of love that reflects God’s own.

A Song of Lovingkindness

“Thy Loving Kindness” by David Lewis beautifully captures the essence of hesed:

Thy loving kindness is better than life
Thy loving kindness is better than life
My lips shall praise Thee
Thus will I bless Thee
I will lift up my hands
I will lift up my hands
I will lift up my hands in Thy name

This song powerfully conveys the Father’s unwavering love and emphasizes our responsibility to embody that love in all our actions.

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© Dr. H 2025

The Battle is the LORD’s ∙

The Battle is the LORD’s ∙

This is the LORD’s battle, and he will give you to us! – 1 Samuel 17:47

2 Chronicles 20:2-20

 2 Messengers came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army from Edom is marching against you from beyond the Dead Sea. . ..”

 3 Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and begged the LORD for guidance. He also ordered everyone in Judah to begin fasting.

 6 He prayed, “O LORD, God of our ancestors, you alone are the God who is in heaven. You are the ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against you!”

 7 “O our God, did you not drive out those who lived in this land when your people Israel arrived? And did you not give this land forever to the descendants of your friend Abraham?”

 8 “Your people settled here and built this Temple to honor your name.”

 9 “They said, ‘Whenever we are faced with any calamity such as war, plague, or famine, we can come to stand in your presence before this Temple where your name is honored. We can cry out to you to save us, and you will hear us and rescue us.’”

 12 “O our God, won’t you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help.”

 13 As all the men of Judah stood before the LORD with their little ones, wives, and children,

 14 The Spirit of the LORD came upon one of the men standing there. His name was Jahaziel, son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite who was a descendant of Asaph.

 15 He said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.”

 20 Early the next morning, the army of Judah went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. On the way, Jehoshaphat stopped and said, “Listen to me, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be able to stand firm. Believe in his prophets, and you will succeed.”

How to Pick Your Battles: Four Key Questions

Deciding which battles to engage in is an essential skill, as not every conflict is worth pursuing. While avoiding a necessary battle may be unwise, it is equally important to determine which conflicts should be fought, postponed, or abandoned altogether. In an article for Forbes, Sally Percy outlines four key questions to consider before taking action:

1. Is this your battle to fight?

2. What impact will winning this battle have in the long run?

3. What are the consequences if you lose this battle?

4. If you don’t fight this battle, will you be able to live with yourself afterward?

These questions help clarify priorities and ensure that effort is focused on meaningful and impactful endeavors.

The Father Fights for His Children

Knowing that the Father fights for us gives the children of the King a deep sense of peace and trust. Scripture reminds us that our battles are ultimately His battles.

Psalms 18:2 says, “The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.”

David understood this truth deeply, as evidenced in his confrontation with Goliath. In 1 Samuel 17:47, he declared, “This is the LORD’s battle, and he will give you to us!”

The Father’s sovereignty ensures He decides when and how to intervene. However, the children of the King are invited to access His unlimited resources through prayer, aligning their hearts with His will and calling upon His power.

Jehoshaphat’s Example of Trust

The story of King Jehoshaphat of Judah provides a compelling example of trusting in God when confronted with overwhelming odds. Despite his earlier mistakes, Jehoshaphat aimed to honor God by eliminating idolatry and dedicating himself to seeking His guidance. (2 Chronicles 19:2-3). This led to a period of spiritual renewal in Judah (2 Chronicles 19).

When Jehoshaphat learned that Edom’s massive and murderous army was approaching, he was understandably scared. Judah had no chance of defeating such a force. But instead of succumbing to fear, Jehoshaphat turned to the LORD for help.

2 Chronicles 20:3 recounts how he “set his face to seek the LORD” and called for a nationwide fast. He urged the people of Judah to join him in seeking the Father’s protection, and they came from all over the land to pray together.

A Leader’s Prayer of Faith

Jehoshaphat rose to the occasion, standing before the people in the new courtyard of the Temple of the LORD. In 2 Chronicles 20:5-6: He prayed with boldness and faith, saying, “O LORD, God of our ancestors, you alone are the God who is in heaven. You are ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against you!”

In his prayer, Jehoshaphat reminded God of His covenant with Abraham’s descendants. He emphasized their special privilege of being able to stand in God’s presence and confidently cry out to Him, believing that He would hear their pleas and act on their behalf.

REFLECT & PRAY

The Father’s power is unleashed when His children humble themselves and call on His name. Even the most insurmountable challenges can be overcome through faith and trust in Him.

Father, may I trust You completely and surrender all overwhelming circumstances to You. Your power is greater than any obstacle I face, and I rest in the assurance that You fight for me.

INSIGHT

Why Do Bad Things Happen?

One of humanity’s most persistent questions is, “Why do bad things happen?” For believers, this question is often phrased something more like this: “If the Father is a God of love and all-powerful, why does He allow bad things to happen to good people?”

Scripture provides many insights into this question, and 2 Chronicles 20 offers a powerful example. The invasion of Judah during King Jehoshaphat’s reign did not happen as divine punishment but as an opportunity to demonstrate faith. As noted in the ESV Bible commentary, “The invasion followed Jehoshaphat’s religious and judicial reforms, and so was not an instance of divine punishment but rather an opportunity to exercise faith.”

Jehoshaphat’s Response: From Fear to Faith

When Jehoshaphat first learned of the approaching enemy armies, he was understandably terrified. However, his fear quickly turned into faith. Instead of doubting the Father’s power, Jehoshaphat openly declared his trust in Him. He expressed his complete dependence on the omnipotent God, humbling himself and recognizing his own weakness.

Jehoshaphat’s prayer was a powerful declaration of faith:

  • “You are the One who gave us this land.”
  • “You are the One who allowed Your people to dwell in it and build a sanctuary.”
  • “You are the One who said we should cry out to You in our affliction, and You would hear and save us.”
  • “You are the One who told us to spare these enemy people when we first came to occupy this land.”
  • “You are the only One capable of judging these enemies who are rising against us, we have no power or plan.”

Jehoshaphat concluded his prayer by saying, “Our eyes are upon You.” Essentially, he was expressing, “If You don’t intervene, we are doomed. We place all our trust and confidence in You alone.”

Humility and Trust in the Father

Jehoshaphat’s prayer demonstrated complete humility and submission to the Father’s will. He made no demands of God, nor did he claim any authority or power for himself. Instead, he acknowledged that all power and authority belong to God alone. From this humble position, he asked the Father to act according to His will.

This moment was not just a test of Jehoshaphat’s faith but also an opportunity for the people of Judah to trust in the Father’s sovereignty. And they did.

Victory Through Praise

The army of Judah prepared to face their enemies in an extraordinary way. Instead of marching in a straight line, they were led by a singing marching band. As they moved forward, they sang praises to the Lord, declaring, “Give thanks to the Lord; his faithful love endures forever!”

At the moment they began to sing and praise, the Lord confused the enemy ranks. The invading armies turned on one another, and without Judah lifting a single weapon, the battle was won. As recorded in 2 Chronicles 20:21-23, the Lord’s intervention brought complete victory.

The Father’s Faithful Love

This story is a powerful reminder of the Father’s faithfulness and His ability to turn impossible situations into opportunities for His glory. Isaiah 44:21-22 beautifully captures the Father’s love and commitment to His people: “Pay attention, O Jacob, for you are my servant, O Israel. I, the LORD, made you, and I will not forget you. I have swept away your sins like a cloud. I have scattered your offenses like the morning mist. Oh, return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free.”

The Father’s love is unwavering, His power unmatched, and His promises unbreakable. Through humility, trust, and praise, His children can face any challenge, knowing that He fights their battles.

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© Dr. H 2025

The Silent Erosion of Convictions

The Silent Erosion of Convictions

People scoff at things they do not understand. Like unthinking animals, they do whatever their instincts tell them, bringing about their own destruction. What sorrow awaits them! For they follow in the footsteps of Cain, who killed his brother. Like Balaam, they deceive people for money. And like Korah, they perish in their rebellion. – Jude 1:11-12

2 Peter 2:12, 15

 12 These false teachers are like unthinking animals, creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed. They scoff at things they do not understand, and like animals, they will be destroyed.

 15 They have wandered off the right road and followed the way of Balaam, son of Beor, who loved to earn money by doing wrong.

The Prevalence of Compromise in Modern Times

In today’s world, compromise has become a defining aspect of modern society. Deeply held beliefs and principles, once thought to be unshakeable, are increasingly eroding at an alarming rate. We are witnessing a significant paradigm shift in which individuals often abandon their ideals due to external pressures or the allure of personal gain and advancement.

Even when the norms and routines they rely on are challenged and begin to break down, many people go to great lengths to avoid feelings of discomfort, confrontational situations, or disruptions that might upset their sense of balance.

The Scriptural Warning Against Compromise

Does a small compromise with darkness matter? The Bible offers numerous examples of individuals who fell into the trap of compromise, serving as cautionary tales for us today. Among these is the story of Balaam, whose actions are a stark warning against the dangers of greed, disobedience, and manipulation. The Sin of Balaam is a reminder that even “a little sin” can have devastating consequences.

The Story of Balaam: A Prophet for Hire

The narrative of Balaam unfolds in Numbers 22-24, where he is introduced as a non-Israelite prophet endowed with God-given prophetic abilities. Balaam, however, was a prophet for hire, willing to exploit his divine gift for personal gain. When emissaries from Balak, the Moabite king, approached him with a bribe to curse Israel, Balaam faced a moral dilemma. Although he knew that God had forbidden him from cursing His Chosen People, Balaam entertained the offer, driven by the promise of wealth and prestige.

The Key Aspects of Balaam’s Sin

  • Greed and the Love of Money
    Balaam’s actions were mainly driven by personal gain. Despite God’s clear command not to curse the Israelites, Balaam’s desire for the rewards offered by Balak led him to look for ways to circumvent God’s will. His greed clouded his judgment and prevented him from seeing the spiritual consequences of what he was doing.
  • Disobedience to God’s Commands
    Balaam’s decision to join Balak’s messengers, despite knowing God’s explicit instructions, was a direct act of disobedience. This choice showed his willingness to put his own desires above God’s will, setting a dangerous precedent for compromise.
  • Manipulation and Deception
    Unable to curse Israel directly, Balaam resorted to a more insidious plan. He advised Balak to send Moabite women to seduce the Israelite men, leading them into idolatry and immorality. This strategy succeeded in weakening Israel spiritually and morally, resulting in God’s judgment upon His people.

REFLECT & PRAY

The Sin of Balaam is referenced in Revelation 2:14, which states, “But I have a few complaints against you. You tolerate some among you whose teaching is like that of Balaam, who showed Balak how to trip up the people of Israel. He taught them to sin by eating food offered to idols and committing sexual sin.” This verse underscores the enduring relevance of Balaam’s story as a warning against the dangers of compromise and the consequences of leading others astray.

Father, it is so easy to succumb to external pressures and compromise. Strengthen me to stand firm upon the foundation of Truth that You have provided in Your Word.

INSIGHT

Balak’s Fear and Call to Balaam

 

In Numbers 22:3-6, the people of Moab were gripped with fear as they witnessed the vast number of Israelites. King Balak of Moab, desperate to protect his kingdom, sought the help of Balaam, a prophet known for his ability to bless or curse with divine authority. Balak sent messengers to Balaam, pleading, “Please come and curse these people for me because they are too powerful for me. Then perhaps I will be able to conquer them and drive them from the land. I know that blessings fall on any people you bless, and curses fall on people you curse.”

Balaam’s Initial Response and God’s Command

 

When Balak’s emissaries arrived, Balaam instructed them to stay the night so he could seek direction from the Lord. In Numbers 22:8, Balaam’s first reaction was remarkably positive and full of potential. He confidently replied, “I will tell you whatever the LORD directs me to say.” This statement hinted at a sincere willingness to seek divine direction. However, despite this promising start, Balaam ultimately fell short of his commitment, failing to uphold the integrity of his initial promise.

In Numbers 22:9-12, God came to Balaam and asked, “Who are these men visiting you?” God’s response was clear: “Do not go with them. You are not to curse these people, for they have been blessed!” Despite this explicit command, Balak persisted, sending more distinguished officials with promises of great wealth and honor.

Balaam’s Struggle with Greed and Obedience

 

In Numbers 22:16-18, Balak’s messengers delivered an enticing offer: “I will pay you very well and do whatever you tell me. Just come and curse these people for me!” Balaam responded, “Even if Balak were to give me his palace filled with silver and gold, I would be powerless to do anything against the will of the LORD my God.”

However, Balaam’s actions revealed his internal conflict. In Numbers 22:20, God permitted Balaam to go with the men but warned him to speak only what He commanded.

The Angel of the Lord Confronts Balaam

 

As Balaam set out with the Moabite officials, God’s anger burned against him. In Numbers 22:31-34, the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes to see an angel standing in the roadway with a drawn sword. Balaam bowed in fear and confessed, “I have sinned. I didn’t realize you were standing in the road to block my way. I will return home if you are against my going.” Despite this encounter, Balaam continued his journey, bound by his greed and the allure of Balak’s promises.

Balaam’s Prophecies: Blessing Instead of Cursing

 

When Balaam finally met Balak, he made it clear that he could only speak the words God placed in his mouth. In Numbers 23:7-8, Balaam declared, “How can I curse those whom God has not cursed? How can I condemn those whom the LORD has not condemned?” Despite Balak’s repeated attempts to manipulate him, Balaam remained steadfast, delivering blessings over Israel instead of curses.

In Numbers 23:20-21, Balaam proclaimed, “I received a command to bless; God has blessed, and I cannot reverse it! No misfortune is in his plan for Jacob; no trouble is in store for Israel. For the LORD their God is with them; he has been proclaimed their king.”

Balak’s Frustration and Balaam’s Final Message

 

Balak’s frustration grew as Balaam continued to bless Israel. In Numbers 24:10-11, Balak angrily exclaimed, “I called you to curse my enemies! Instead, you have blessed them three times. Now get out of here! Go back home! I promised to reward you richly, but the LORD has kept you from your reward.” Balaam reminded Balak of his earlier warning: “Even if Balak were to give me his palace filled with silver and gold, I would be powerless to do anything against the will of the LORD” (Numbers 24:13).

The Doctrine of Balaam: A Warning Against Compromise

 

Ultimately, God thwarted Balaam’s efforts, and His will prevailed. However, Balaam’s legacy serves as a cautionary tale. The doctrine of Balaam represents a dangerous path of compromise, suggesting that one can align with the world while still fulfilling their duty to God. This perspective encourages believers to blur the lines between their holy calling and the values of the unbelieving world.

Balaam’s sin was not only his willingness to compromise but also his active role in leading others into sin. He advised Balak to seduce the Israelites into idolatry and immorality, resulting in God’s judgment upon His people. As noted by Constable, Balaam is a stark example of those who lead others into false religion and immorality.

The Slippery Slope of Compromise

 

The Doctrine of Balaam promotes the abandonment of convictions for worldly pursuits such as wealth, popularity, sexual gratification, or personal advancement. It undermines the unique identity of God’s people and diminishes the importance of living a godly life. Balaam’s story illustrates the slippery slope of compromise. Balaam’s compromise led to devastating consequences. His advice to Balak resulted in Israel’s moral and spiritual downfall through idolatry and immorality.

What exactly did Balaam do wrong, even though he didn’t directly curse the Israelites? How did he evade God’s clear command? He came up with an insidious plan to lure the Israelites into sin. When they chose to sin, they ended up cursing themselves. God’s judgment fell upon His people.

In Luke 17:1-2, the Lord Jesus Christ powerfully emphasizes the grave consequences of leading others into sin: “There will always be temptations to sin, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting! It would be better to be thrown into the sea with a millstone hung around your neck than to cause one of these little ones to fall into sin.” His words serve as a stark reminder of the responsibility we hold for our actions and the potential harm we can cause.

The story of Balaam challenges us to remain steadfast in our convictions and to resist the temptation to compromise, no matter how enticing the rewards may seem.

Partial Obedience is Still Disobedience

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© Dr. H 2025

Whom do you trust?

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