August 26, 2025 • 12 mins
Title: Psalm 25: Discover Hope and Breakthrough in Life’s Struggles
Short Description
Psalm 25 is a heartfelt prayer for deliverance, forgiveness, and direction in life’s most difficult seasons. In this episode, discover how God’s steadfast love and faithfulness meet us in our struggles, whether caused by enemies, circumstances, or our own sins and how His guidance leads to peace, stability, and renewed hope.
Episode Highlights
- Psalm 25 blends lament, trust, and instruction in an acrostic prayer of dependence.
- David lifts his soul to the Lord, choosing trust over fear and shame (vv. 1–3).
- Seeking God’s ways is better than chasing quick fixes or impulsive relief (vv. 4–5).
- God’s mercy covers both past failures and present struggles (vv. 6–7).
- The Lord teaches and guides sinners who humbly seek Him (vv. 8–11).
- Those who fear the Lord enjoy intimacy, guidance, and blessing (vv. 12–14).
- Even when troubles intensify, faith looks upward, trusting God’s protection (vv. 15–21).
- Prayer expands beyond self, interceding for God’s people as a whole (v. 22).
Resources and Next Steps
- Join the free Navigator Level of the Lessons for Life Community: https://jameslongjr.org/community
- Explore full membership and coaching options: https://jameslongjr.org/signupnow
- Download devotionals, attend live meetups, and access biblical life training to grow emotionally, relationally, and spiritually.
ABOUT JAMES and LESSONS FOR LIFE
Are you seeking hope, wisdom, and practical solutions to life’s challenges? Dr. James Long, Jr., pastor, counselor, and professor with over 30 years of experience, helps people discover God’s solutions to emotional, relational, and spiritual challenges. Each episode of Lessons for Life points you to the peace and freedom found in Jesus Christ.
Resources and Next Steps
- Join the free Navigator Level of the Lessons for Life Community: https://jameslongjr.org/community
- Explore full membership and coaching options: https://jameslongjr.org/signupnow
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Connect
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Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hey everyone, it's James Long Jr, and welcome back
to Lessons for Life.
We are in our series calledCounseling Through the Psalms,
and we are in Psalm 25, so do mea favor and grab your Bible and
a journal and let's turn toPsalm chapter 25 together.
Psalm 25 invites us to seek theLord in a season of difficulty,
whether it's our own trialscaused by enemies or
(00:23):
circumstances, or our own sin.
It's a prayer for deliverance,a plea for forgiveness and a
request for divine guidance, allgrounded in the steadfast love
and faithfulness of God.
Now, psalm 25 is this heartfeltprayer that blends lament,
trust and instruction.
It's written in an acrosticpattern and it reflects a life
(00:47):
that has learned to turn to God.
In every circumstance, davidlifts his soul to the Lord,
asking for his protection fromhis enemies, guidance on the
right path and pardon for sin,both recent and also in the past
.
This psalm, especially, isrelevant when we're both hurting
and aware of our own failures,and it teaches us that God's
(01:07):
mercy is greater than our sin,his guidance is wiser than our
understanding and his protectionis stronger than any enemy that
we will ever encounter.
Whether your present trouble isfrom external opposition,
internal guilt or confusion ofnot knowing the way forward.
Psalm 25 offers a model prayerthat leads to peace, which leads
(01:32):
to stability and a renewed hope.
So let's begin with the firstsection confidence in God's
protection.
Psalm 25, verses 1-3.
David begins with an act oftrust.
He says To you, o Lord, I liftup my soul, o my God, in you I
trust.
Lifting up his soul to God ismore than a poetic image.
It's an intentional turning ofour whole self towards him.
(01:53):
David's prayer is specific.
He asked not to be put to shameand not to be defeated by his
enemies.
Now, in biblical terms, shameis not mere embarrassment.
It is a deep disgrace ofmisplaced trust.
David affirms that those whowait on the Lord will never be
put to shame, but thetreacherous will.
This is both a promise and acomfort.
(02:15):
The outcome of our trials doesnot depend on our strength or
the strength of our enemies, buton the faithfulness of God.
Now, in a counseling application, when fear or anxiety looms,
choosing to lift our souls toGod is a powerful first step.
It shifts our mental focus fromthe threats around us to the
one who rules over them, seekingGod's guidance.
(02:38):
Psalm 25, verses 4-5.
David asks next make me knowyour ways, o Lord, teach me your
path.
In ceaseless uncertainty weoften find a desire for
immediate relief, but Davidseeks direction.
He wants to walk in God's ways,not just to escape his trouble.
He grounds his request in God'scharacter as the God of my
(03:01):
salvation and affirms the hopeis in the Lord all day long.
This is not a one-time prayer,it's a posture of continual
dependence.
Now, if we apply this incounseling, in times of
confusion, resist the temptationto act rashly.
Pause and seek God's wisdom,allowing His truth, not your
impulse, to direct your steps,resting in God's mercy.
(03:24):
Psalm 25, verses 6-7.
David's appeal to God's mercyand steadfast love, asking the
Lord to remember these externalqualities rather than the sins
of his youth.
Now this is where humilitycomes in.
David does not deny his guiltor excuse his past behavior.
Instead, he prays that Godwould deal with him according to
(03:45):
his goodness.
For many believers, old sinscan resurface in times of trial,
fueling shame or despair.
This psalm teaches us to bringthese memories to God, trusting
his forgiveness to cover themfully.
When past failures haunt you,remember that if God has
forgiven you in Christ, he doesnot keep a record against you.
(04:06):
Learning to align your thoughtswith His mercy is a key to
emotional and spiritual freedom.
God's character as our teacherPsalm, chapter 25, verses 8
through 11.
Now David pauses to reflect.
Good and upright is the Lord.
Therefore, he instructs sinnersin their ways.
God's guidance is not reservedfor the perfect.
(04:28):
It is offered to sinners whohumbly seek him.
The Lord's ways are steadfast,love and faithfulness for those
who keep his covenant.
Now this section brings Davidback to his confession For your
namesake, o Lord, pardon myguilt, for it is great.
He appeals to God's reputationas a forgiving and faithful
redeemer.
Now, in counseling, when youfeel unworthy of God's help,
(04:51):
remember that his willingness toguide and his willingness to
forgive flow from his character,not your performance.
Blessing for those who fear theLord Psalm 25, verses 12-14.
Now David affirms that the onewho fears the Lord will be
taught the right ways, enjoyGod's goodness and pass into
(05:13):
spiritual inheritance.
The Lord confides in those whofear him, revealing his rich
mercies and the covenant of hisgrace.
It says to those who fear theLord is a life of reverent
submission to him, and itdeepens their intimacy with God
and opens our hearts toreceiving his guidance.
Now, in a counseling situation,I want you to consider this,
(05:36):
that spiritual growth oftenflows from a posture of
reverence, recognizing thatGod's greatness and his
submitting to his authority andtrusting in his wisdom above our
own.
In chapter 25, verses 15 through21, we see deliverance from
trouble.
David's eyes are now open, evertowards the Lord, because only
(05:58):
the Lord can free him from hissnare.
Now his prayer becomes moreurgent as he describes his
loneliness, he describes hisaffliction, he describes the
multiple troubles, he describesthe enemies that are cruelly
hating him.
And yet he continues to hope inGod's protection, asking that
his integrity and hisuprightness preserve him.
(06:19):
Now, this persistence in prayer, even when circumstances worsen
, show that faith endureshardship without surrendering
trust.
Now, in a counseling arena, Iwant you to consider this when
trials intensify, double yourfocus on God rather than on your
problems.
This cultivates resilience andprevents despair from taking
(06:40):
root in your life.
Now we move to a prayer for thewhole people of God, psalm 25,
verse 22.
The psalm ends by widening thescope.
David says redeem Israel, o God, out of all his trouble.
Now, this personal prayer hasnow become intercessory.
David recognizes that hiswell-being is tied to the good
(07:02):
of God's people.
Now, in a counselingapplication, in your own
struggles, remember others whoare hurting.
Intercede for them and liftthem.
That can help lift yourperspective beyond your own pain
, can help lift your perspectivebeyond your own pain.
Now let's look at the doctrinaltruths, to remember God is
faithful.
Those who trust him will neverultimately be disappointed.
(07:24):
We saw that in verse 3 of thischapter, but also pick that up
in Romans, chapter 5, verse 5.
Second, I want you to know thatGod guides the humble.
His ways are for those whosubmit to him.
We saw that in verse 9, but youalso know that from Proverbs 3,
verses 5-6.
That's a major verse that manyof us know.
We also see that God's mercycovers past and present sins.
(07:48):
Forgiveness is rooted in Hissteadfast love, not our
performance.
We saw that in verse 7, but wealso see that in 1 John 1, verse
9.
We also see that God revealshimself to those who fear him.
Reverence deepens our intimacy.
We saw that in verse 14, butyou also pick that up in
Proverbs 9, verse 10.
Then we see that God'sdeliverance serves his glory and
(08:13):
the good of his people.
Redemption is both personal andit's also communal.
We saw that in verse 22 here,but you can also pick that up in
Romans 8, verse 28.
Now let's take all of thatdoctrine and let's make it
practical, living out this psalm.
The first thing I want you toknow is this I want you to begin
each day by constantly liftingup your soul to the Lord in
(08:34):
trust.
So, every day, begin that dayby lifting up your soul to the
Lord.
Second, I want you to face yourdecisions and when you do, ask
God to teach you and to guideyou before you act.
So go vertical before you everact out and do something.
Next, confess your sins quicklyand when you do that, trust in
God's mercy rather than hidingin shame.
(08:57):
Next, cultivate a reverent fearfor God, and when you do that,
you'll find yourself growing inintimacy with him.
You'll get to know him more andsee him more and savor him more
.
Intercede regularly for otherpeople in your life who are in
trouble, and when you do that,you'll be moving from your
problems to lifting up others.
(09:18):
Now let's reflect and respond.
The first thing I want you toconsider is this what does
lifting your soul to the Lordlook like in your daily routine?
Second, how do you usuallyrespond to old sins when they
resurface in your thoughts?
Third, what practical steps canyou take to seek God's guidance
(09:39):
before making decisions.
This is so important.
Take time to go vertical andpray and ask God before you make
those decisions.
Next, how would fearing theLord change your perspective on
challenging situations thatyou're dealing with currently?
Next, who else can you begin tointercede for this week, even
(10:00):
when you're facing your ownstruggles?
Well, let's pray Well, father,thank you for lifting our souls
to you.
Thank you for the fact thatyou're a forgiving and gracious
God.
Thank you for the fact that youare freeing us and looking to
set us free in this life so thatwe can honor you and reflect
you.
So, holy Spirit, I pray thatyou would do a work inside of us
(10:22):
.
I pray that you would do workthrough us and remind us that
the victory is the Lord's.
In Jesus' name, we pray Amenand amen.
Now, psalm 25 teaches us that inthe midst of trials, whether
caused by enemies orcircumstances or our own sin, we
can confidently seek the Lord'sforgiveness, guidance and
deliverance.
His steadfast love andfaithfulness are the sure
(10:44):
foundation for our hope.
Thanks for being here today,but if you would consider
joining our free navigator levelof our Lesson for Life
community, you could do that atjameslongjrorg slash community,
you'll get some devotionals andmeetups and training to help you
walk by faith, or you canexplore one of our full
(11:05):
memberships at jameslongjrorgslash.
Sign up now for deeper coachingand content designed to help
you grow in emotional,relational and spiritual wisdom.
Now I want you to remindyourself when the road is hard
and your heart is heavy.
I want you to remind yourselfwhen the road is hard and your
heart is heavy.
Keep your eyes on the God whoteaches you to humble you, to
forgive you and to set you free.
(11:26):
Thanks for being with us today.
Blessings everyone.
Take care.
Hey everyone, it's James Long Jr, and welcome back
to Lessons for Life.
We are in our series calledCounseling Through the Psalms,
and we are in Psalm 25, so do mea favor and grab your Bible and
a journal and let's turn toPsalm chapter 25 together.
Psalm 25 invites us to seek theLord in a season of difficulty,
whether it's our own trialscaused by enemies or
(00:23):
circumstances, or our own sin.
It's a prayer for deliverance,a plea for forgiveness and a
request for divine guidance, allgrounded in the steadfast love
and faithfulness of God.
Now, psalm 25 is this heartfeltprayer that blends lament,
trust and instruction.
It's written in an acrosticpattern and it reflects a life
(00:47):
that has learned to turn to God.
In every circumstance, davidlifts his soul to the Lord,
asking for his protection fromhis enemies, guidance on the
right path and pardon for sin,both recent and also in the past
.
This psalm, especially, isrelevant when we're both hurting
and aware of our own failures,and it teaches us that God's
(01:07):
mercy is greater than our sin,his guidance is wiser than our
understanding and his protectionis stronger than any enemy that
we will ever encounter.
Whether your present trouble isfrom external opposition,
internal guilt or confusion ofnot knowing the way forward.
Psalm 25 offers a model prayerthat leads to peace, which leads
(01:32):
to stability and a renewed hope.
So let's begin with the firstsection confidence in God's
protection.
Psalm 25, verses 1-3.
David begins with an act oftrust.
He says To you, o Lord, I liftup my soul, o my God, in you I
trust.
Lifting up his soul to God ismore than a poetic image.
It's an intentional turning ofour whole self towards him.
(01:53):
David's prayer is specific.
He asked not to be put to shameand not to be defeated by his
enemies.
Now, in biblical terms, shameis not mere embarrassment.
It is a deep disgrace ofmisplaced trust.
David affirms that those whowait on the Lord will never be
put to shame, but thetreacherous will.
This is both a promise and acomfort.
(02:15):
The outcome of our trials doesnot depend on our strength or
the strength of our enemies, buton the faithfulness of God.
Now, in a counseling application, when fear or anxiety looms,
choosing to lift our souls toGod is a powerful first step.
It shifts our mental focus fromthe threats around us to the
one who rules over them, seekingGod's guidance.
(02:38):
Psalm 25, verses 4-5.
David asks next make me knowyour ways, o Lord, teach me your
path.
In ceaseless uncertainty weoften find a desire for
immediate relief, but Davidseeks direction.
He wants to walk in God's ways,not just to escape his trouble.
He grounds his request in God'scharacter as the God of my
(03:01):
salvation and affirms the hopeis in the Lord all day long.
This is not a one-time prayer,it's a posture of continual
dependence.
Now, if we apply this incounseling, in times of
confusion, resist the temptationto act rashly.
Pause and seek God's wisdom,allowing His truth, not your
impulse, to direct your steps,resting in God's mercy.
(03:24):
Psalm 25, verses 6-7.
David's appeal to God's mercyand steadfast love, asking the
Lord to remember these externalqualities rather than the sins
of his youth.
Now this is where humilitycomes in.
David does not deny his guiltor excuse his past behavior.
Instead, he prays that Godwould deal with him according to
(03:45):
his goodness.
For many believers, old sinscan resurface in times of trial,
fueling shame or despair.
This psalm teaches us to bringthese memories to God, trusting
his forgiveness to cover themfully.
When past failures haunt you,remember that if God has
forgiven you in Christ, he doesnot keep a record against you.
(04:06):
Learning to align your thoughtswith His mercy is a key to
emotional and spiritual freedom.
God's character as our teacherPsalm, chapter 25, verses 8
through 11.
Now David pauses to reflect.
Good and upright is the Lord.
Therefore, he instructs sinnersin their ways.
God's guidance is not reservedfor the perfect.
(04:28):
It is offered to sinners whohumbly seek him.
The Lord's ways are steadfast,love and faithfulness for those
who keep his covenant.
Now this section brings Davidback to his confession For your
namesake, o Lord, pardon myguilt, for it is great.
He appeals to God's reputationas a forgiving and faithful
redeemer.
Now, in counseling, when youfeel unworthy of God's help,
(04:51):
remember that his willingness toguide and his willingness to
forgive flow from his character,not your performance.
Blessing for those who fear theLord Psalm 25, verses 12-14.
Now David affirms that the onewho fears the Lord will be
taught the right ways, enjoyGod's goodness and pass into
(05:13):
spiritual inheritance.
The Lord confides in those whofear him, revealing his rich
mercies and the covenant of hisgrace.
It says to those who fear theLord is a life of reverent
submission to him, and itdeepens their intimacy with God
and opens our hearts toreceiving his guidance.
Now, in a counseling situation,I want you to consider this,
(05:36):
that spiritual growth oftenflows from a posture of
reverence, recognizing thatGod's greatness and his
submitting to his authority andtrusting in his wisdom above our
own.
In chapter 25, verses 15 through21, we see deliverance from
trouble.
David's eyes are now open, evertowards the Lord, because only
(05:58):
the Lord can free him from hissnare.
Now his prayer becomes moreurgent as he describes his
loneliness, he describes hisaffliction, he describes the
multiple troubles, he describesthe enemies that are cruelly
hating him.
And yet he continues to hope inGod's protection, asking that
his integrity and hisuprightness preserve him.
(06:19):
Now, this persistence in prayer, even when circumstances worsen
, show that faith endureshardship without surrendering
trust.
Now, in a counseling arena, Iwant you to consider this when
trials intensify, double yourfocus on God rather than on your
problems.
This cultivates resilience andprevents despair from taking
(06:40):
root in your life.
Now we move to a prayer for thewhole people of God, psalm 25,
verse 22.
The psalm ends by widening thescope.
David says redeem Israel, o God, out of all his trouble.
Now, this personal prayer hasnow become intercessory.
David recognizes that hiswell-being is tied to the good
(07:02):
of God's people.
Now, in a counselingapplication, in your own
struggles, remember others whoare hurting.
Intercede for them and liftthem.
That can help lift yourperspective beyond your own pain
, can help lift your perspectivebeyond your own pain.
Now let's look at the doctrinaltruths, to remember God is
faithful.
Those who trust him will neverultimately be disappointed.
(07:24):
We saw that in verse 3 of thischapter, but also pick that up
in Romans, chapter 5, verse 5.
Second, I want you to know thatGod guides the humble.
His ways are for those whosubmit to him.
We saw that in verse 9, but youalso know that from Proverbs 3,
verses 5-6.
That's a major verse that manyof us know.
We also see that God's mercycovers past and present sins.
(07:48):
Forgiveness is rooted in Hissteadfast love, not our
performance.
We saw that in verse 7, but wealso see that in 1 John 1, verse
9.
We also see that God revealshimself to those who fear him.
Reverence deepens our intimacy.
We saw that in verse 14, butyou also pick that up in
Proverbs 9, verse 10.
Then we see that God'sdeliverance serves his glory and
(08:13):
the good of his people.
Redemption is both personal andit's also communal.
We saw that in verse 22 here,but you can also pick that up in
Romans 8, verse 28.
Now let's take all of thatdoctrine and let's make it
practical, living out this psalm.
The first thing I want you toknow is this I want you to begin
each day by constantly liftingup your soul to the Lord in
(08:34):
trust.
So, every day, begin that dayby lifting up your soul to the
Lord.
Second, I want you to face yourdecisions and when you do, ask
God to teach you and to guideyou before you act.
So go vertical before you everact out and do something.
Next, confess your sins quicklyand when you do that, trust in
God's mercy rather than hidingin shame.
(08:57):
Next, cultivate a reverent fearfor God, and when you do that,
you'll find yourself growing inintimacy with him.
You'll get to know him more andsee him more and savor him more
.
Intercede regularly for otherpeople in your life who are in
trouble, and when you do that,you'll be moving from your
problems to lifting up others.
(09:18):
Now let's reflect and respond.
The first thing I want you toconsider is this what does
lifting your soul to the Lordlook like in your daily routine?
Second, how do you usuallyrespond to old sins when they
resurface in your thoughts?
Third, what practical steps canyou take to seek God's guidance
(09:39):
before making decisions.
This is so important.
Take time to go vertical andpray and ask God before you make
those decisions.
Next, how would fearing theLord change your perspective on
challenging situations thatyou're dealing with currently?
Next, who else can you begin tointercede for this week, even
(10:00):
when you're facing your ownstruggles?
Well, let's pray Well, father,thank you for lifting our souls
to you.
Thank you for the fact thatyou're a forgiving and gracious
God.
Thank you for the fact that youare freeing us and looking to
set us free in this life so thatwe can honor you and reflect
you.
So, holy Spirit, I pray thatyou would do a work inside of us
(10:22):
.
I pray that you would do workthrough us and remind us that
the victory is the Lord's.
In Jesus' name, we pray Amenand amen.
Now, psalm 25 teaches us that inthe midst of trials, whether
caused by enemies orcircumstances or our own sin, we
can confidently seek the Lord'sforgiveness, guidance and
deliverance.
His steadfast love andfaithfulness are the sure
(10:44):
foundation for our hope.
Thanks for being here today,but if you would consider
joining our free navigator levelof our Lesson for Life
community, you could do that atjameslongjrorg slash community,
you'll get some devotionals andmeetups and training to help you
walk by faith, or you canexplore one of our full
(11:05):
memberships at jameslongjrorgslash.
Sign up now for deeper coachingand content designed to help
you grow in emotional,relational and spiritual wisdom.
Now I want you to remindyourself when the road is hard
and your heart is heavy.
I want you to remind yourselfwhen the road is hard and your
heart is heavy.
Keep your eyes on the God whoteaches you to humble you, to
forgive you and to set you free.
(11:26):
Thanks for being with us today.
Blessings everyone.
Take care.
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