O Lord, I give my life to you. I trust in you, my God! Do not let me be disgraced, or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat. No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced, but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others. Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. 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. Remember, O Lord, your compassion and unfailing love, which you have shown from long ages past. Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth. Remember me in the light of your unfailing love, for you are merciful, O Lord. The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way. The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant and obey his demands. For the honor of your name, O Lord, forgive my many, many sins. Who are those who fear the Lord? He will show them the path they should choose. They will live in prosperity, and their children will inherit the land. The Lord is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant. My eyes are always on the Lord, for he rescues me from the traps of my enemies. Turn to me and have mercy, for I am alone and in deep distress. My problems go from bad to worse. Oh, save me from them all! Feel my pain and see my trouble. Forgive all my sins. See how many enemies I have and how viciously they hate me! Protect me! Rescue my life from them! Do not let me be disgraced, for in you I take refuge. May integrity and honesty protect me, for I put my hope in you. O God, ransom Israel from all its troubles.
Psalms 25:1-22 NLT
Deception often seems like the easier way, but it makes things worse, starting with your character. People lie or bend the truth for many reasons. This psalm is about making the commitment to tell the truth all the time, not some of the time. David trusted in the Lord’s way, even when doing the right thing made his life harder (v.17). He trusted that his Shepherd would protect him (v.15). Rather than fighting wrong with more wrong, David trusted in God’s way (v.9).
Integrity and honesty protect you (v.21). The truth is the best path, but it takes a lot of trust to live consistently with integrity. This means more than telling the truth – it includes being humble, admitting when you are wrong, and striving to do what is right. Integrity is a shield that protects. Lying and manipulating are easier, but only in the short run. Choose the truthful way of the Lord, even when it is harder.
Why is it difficult—but better—to fight wrong with love? How can you allow God’s Spirit to grow even more integrity in your life?
