As I read through Psalm 25, I hear the voice of a child who has grown up with an amazing parent. The writer reminds His Father, God, of his amazing parenting in verse 7, "Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, Lord, are good." This is a trustworthy parent who uses his child's mistakes as teachable moments and turns them into invaluable lessons for life. He states that God "instructs sinners in his ways." Forgiving the sin and guiding His children with truth and love to learn from their sin and despite their sin, to become more like Him.
I realize that I have been at the other end of God's mercy and grace, as He has taught this sinner His ways. What a powerful God, to face down my arrogance and price when I sin, humble me and then gently life me in His arms to guide me and teach me in His ways. Not as a parent with righteous indignation, but as a loving parent, intent on guiding His child toward righteousness and repentance. He has guided me in His truth and taught me His ways...His loving and faithful ways.
When God's grace and mercy are so evident through His using the sin in my life as "teachable moments," it becomes easy for me to get humble and want to show the same heart to my children. David began this Psalm with a declaration of complete trust in God. He goes on to share his iniquities and sin, yet the recurring thoughts are of a God that will rescue him and teach him with love and truth. I want to trust my Father, God, with all of me, like David, "warts and all", and to pass on this trust for God's teaching to my children...in good times and in bad times. Not so they can put their faith in me, but in God who gets all the glory!
- Tee Buckner
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