Psalm Devotional
The Benefits of Life in the Covenant
Written by Anthony Selvaggio. This devotional was first published in the December 2004 issue of The Reformed Presbyterian Witness.
God’s covenant relationship with man is central to Reformed theology. However, too often the covenant is described solely in legal terms. While it is true that our covenant relationship with God has forensic aspects, the Bible ultimately defines the covenant of grace in relational terms. The Bible describes the essence of the covenant as, “I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people” (Lev. 26:12). Psalm 25 explores the benefits of this covenant relationship.
Benefit 1: He Teaches You (vv. 4-5, 8-9, 12, 14)
The Bible reveals that God teaches His people. After God delivered Israel out of Egypt, He gave them His law (Ex. 20:1-17). He taught Israel, His son, how to live in a way that was pleasing in His sight. In Psalm 25, the psalmist calls upon God to fulfill this covenant promise in his own life.
God teaches us because He is our Father. He teaches us because we are in covenant with Him. It is important though, to remember that God only teaches those who humbly seek Him (v. 14). Is this how you approach God? Do you love His law and pray humbly for His guidance in your life?
Benefit 2: He Remembers You (vv. 6-7)
Another benefit of living in covenant with God is that He remembers you. Throughout the Bible, God promises to remember His covenant (Gen. 9:15; Lev. 26:42; Ezek. 16:60; and Luke 1:72). In verses 6-7, the psalmist calls on God to remember him according to God’s “great mercy” and “love.” These are covenantal terms. The psalmist does not say, “Remember me because I have been faithful”; rather, he says, “Remember me according to your faithfulness, O God.” The Father promises that He will not forget you. Likewise, Jesus promises that He will not leave you as an orphan (John 14:18), that He will return for you (John 14:3), and that He will never forsake you (Heb. 13:5).
Benefit 3: He Deals with Your Sins (vv. 7, 11, 18)
Psalm 25 is a psalm of lament, and, although the psalmist mentions his enemies (v. 2, 19), his main struggle is with his own sin. He realizes that sin is a barrier to experiencing the fullness of his covenant relationship with God. However, the psalmist also realizes that he can’t remedy this problem; therefore he pleads with God to remedy it for him. He prays that God will “forget” (v. 7), “forgive” (v. 11), and “take away” (v. 18) his sins.
The God who promises to remember us also promises to forget our sins! He does not treat us as our sins deserve (Ps. 103:10). Have you trusted in God to deal with your sins?
Benefit 4: He Won’t Let You Be Put to Shame (vv. 2, 20)
Psalm 25 begins and ends with the psalmist asking God to not allow him to be put to shame. The psalmist is primarily concerned about the shame of public disgrace, particularly for his faith in God. In both verse 2 and verse 20, the psalmist links this request not to be put to shame to his trust in God. The psalmist is burdened by his own sin, his enemies are closing in, and he is wondering if God will deliver him. Living in covenant with God does not mean that we will never face trials or doubts. However, Psalm 25 reminds us that when we face those trials we are not to fall into despair. Rather, we are to cling to God’s covenant promise that He will not allow those who trust in Him to be put to shame (v. 3). God won’t let you be put to shame because you are in covenant with Him!
Psalm 25 is a reminder of the benefits of living in covenant with God. He promises to teach you, remember you, deal with your sins, and not let you come to shame. What a glorious God we serve!
