Articles, Bible Questions and Discipleship Guides

Several times in 1 and 2 Samuel— nine times, to be exact—David is described as “inquiring from the Lord.” An early example of seeking the Lord’s wisdom was observed after David became King of Israel. We’re told that David inquired of the Lord whether he should go up to Hebron (2 Samuel 2:1). 

This consistent pattern in David’s life demonstrates his desire to conform his plans and his actions to the will and wisdom of God. This desire became a spiritual discipline as David regularly asked the Lord for guidance. 

As an older man—a “seasoned saint” we might call him—David wrote a song designed to orient his heart to the will of God. Isn’t it encouraging to know that no matter how old you are, you never grow too old to ask for the Lord’s guidance? There’s no stage of spiritual maturity where you finally arrive, able to tackle life on your own strength. For believers today, we’re reminded that Jesus did not say, “Without me, you can do a few things.” He said, “Without me, you can do nothing” (John 15:5). 

There’s no point of life where God will suggest to you, “Don’t worry, you’ve got this; you can handle life without My strength.” 

No matter how long we walk with God, dependence and trust in Him will continue to be our most critical need. 

David wrote Psalm 25 as an acrostic—a literary device that would help people memorize the psalm and rehearse its truths over and over again. Whether you put the entirety of Psalm 25 to memory or just meditate on several inspired stanzas, there are many lessons to learn from the practice and poetry of David: 

EFFECTIVE LEADERS SEEK DIVINE GUIDANCE REGULARLY. 

David writes:“Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation” (Psalm 25:4-5).

One man who took this lesson to heart was President Abraham Lincoln. After the weight of a wartime presidency fell upon his shoulders, and especially after the tragic death of his son, Lincoln devoted himself to the Word of God and to prayer. 

Lincoln’s own correspondence describes his practice of praying over every major decision he faced as he led America in the Civil War. Lincoln said in 1862, “Whatever shall appear to be God’s will, I will do,” and again in 1863, “Amid the greatest difficulties of my administration, when I could not see any other resort, I would place my whole reliance in God, knowing that all would go well, and that He would decide for the right.” 

HONEST LEADERS APPROACH DECISION MAKING HUMBLY. 

“[God] leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way” (Psalm 25:9). 

David learned this lesson through trial and error—as I’m sure we all do to varying degrees. We’ve already observed some examples where David made decisions in haste, rather than in humility. Waiting on the Lord requires enough humility to recognize that stepping out alone is dangerous. And David will experience tragic consequences of his willful independence. 

As David writes this Psalm, as an older man, he can look back on the course of his life and say that when he was teachable, he was most effective in service, leadership, and ministry. 

The same is true for us. 

GODLY LEADERS CONFESS THEIR SINS AND REPENT. 

“For your name’s sake, O LORD, pardon my guilt, for it is great. Who is the man who fears the LORD? Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose” (Psalm 25:11-12). 

It’s not weak for a leader to admit their mistakes; it’s actually a strength that creates a deeper connection with God. 

David promises that it is those who fear God—which would include admission, confession and repentance—who are instructed by Him and given fresh grace and guidance. 

If you accept some leadership role— at any level of prominence—keep these principles in mind. Let’s be servant-leaders known for regular repentance and an attitude of humility as we diligently seek God’s guidance. 

As Martin Luther, the Reformer, used to say, “The Christian’s life is a life of confessing and repenting.” I like to remind people that a mark of maturity isn’t necessarily sinning less, but confessing more quickly. How long does it take you to confess your sin—the smallest sin—and ask the Lord’s forgiveness? David is teaching us here to sing the truth that admitting and confessing our guilt is more than a prayer; it’s a lifestyle.