David still needs a whole lot of guidance. Even in this closeness with God, he still apparently is prone to deviation, or forgetting that he needs to stay on the path and follow God's way. This 25th Psalm is a prayer to God to help to guide him and keep him straight, as well as to continue to protect and encourage him through tough times.
Well aware of his own reputation and allegiance with God, David surmises what would happen were he to fail. If David were to fall victim to his own enemies, it would appear that God, too, would be triumphed over. David didn't want his enemies to have any notion that they were greater than God. Obviously they wouldn't be, but if you take down God's right hand man in a moment of weakness, it would definitely appear as though God could not protect that person.
There is no hope in treachery. (v. 3)
David asks God to show him God's ways, teach him His paths, guide in His truth and teach him. That sounds like a lot to ask from anyone. But it must have delighted God in an amazing way to hear someone request that of Him. How often is God asked that by anyone? Let alone from me? Is this a question anyone dares ask? Who is ready for such teaching and guidance? Too impractical, I say. Were I to really, genuinely, sincerely ask this from God. How much would my life be overturned? It's discomforting, I think. Why does David ask this? He knows his history. He has seen lives changed and blessed by this very thing.
The young and stupid act impetuously and without regard to the future. David was apparently among them. And I absolutely love the request in verse 7. He doesn't excuse the sins of his youth for being perpetrated as a youth. He asks God not to remember them. He doesn't deny they occured, but asks God not to remember them, though the iniquity is great (v. 11). Would that fly in any court today? And probably the most amazing part of the verse is where David asks God to remember him "according to your love...for you are good, O LORD." That's great! I underlined it. He asks that God see him not through the lens of David's works and behavior, but through the eyes of love. Wondrous! That is my hope! That is how I want to be seen!
David wants to be among those he describes as people who God instructs: humble, one who keeps the demands of the covenant (Demands, not suggestions...), repentant, one who fears the LORD. This leads to prosperity, and "inheriting the land," whatever that may mean to you.
I would describe friendship as have a certain level of confidance. Verse 14 says "The LORD confides in those who fear him..." That sounds like friendship to me.
The last 7 verses or so are terrific salve to a person burned by pain. This person can count on God for deliverance from or coping with loneliness, affliction, trouble, anguish, distress, the weight of sin, enemies, being hated, and shame. God is ever present, a comfort, a savior, a liberator. And the object of our hope.
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