Preparing for Spring: How Psalm 25:5 Guides Our Faith and Learning
This time of year is often considered the doldrums of winter. For me, the darkness of winter doesn’t feel as unbearable during the holiday season and we’re usually distracted by New Year’s resolutions and settling back into a normal routine in January. However, by February, I’m just ready for warmer weather. A friend once mentioned that he was never a big fan of spring until he became an adult, and the older I get, the more I resonate with that sentiment.
Spring feels like a fresh start, a time when everything comes back to life. The days get longer, the air feels warmer, and the world transforms with blooming flowers and greenery. It’s as if the heaviness of winter begins to lift, and there’s a renewed sense of energy and hope. As an adult, I’ve come to appreciate the simple joys of spring, like spending more time outdoors, hearing birds chirp again and feeling the sun’s warmth on my face. It’s a reminder of growth and renewal, both in nature and in ourselves. But as the days grow longer and sunlight becomes more abundant our schedules seem to grow more hectic as well.
Pause and Examine
In the midst of our busy lives, Psalm 25:5 offers a great reminder: “Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.” This verse encourages us to pause and refocus, seeking God’s guidance and truth instead of letting our lives be dictated by endless activity. It reminds us that waiting on the Lord and leaning into His presence is far more fulfilling than being consumed by our own plans.
David is the writer attributed to Psalm 25 and like many of his Psalms, this one seems to have been written during a time of trouble. You don’t have to be in the middle of a crisis to find truths in these words, though. The Matthew Henry commentary states: “[David] was a knowing man himself, but the most intelligent, the most observant, both need and desire to be taught of God; from him we must be ever learning.”
Pause and Listen
The verse opens with a heartfelt prayer: “Lead me in your truth and teach me.” This isn’t just a call for academic knowledge but a desire for wisdom that reflects God’s truth. “After all, God wants us to worship him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:23) Education is more than simply learning facts—it’s a journey that shapes us, testing our patience, perseverance, and understanding along the way. Just as we worship God in spirit and truth, education develops the soul as well as the mind.
This is something we can incorporate into every aspect of our lives. Whether you’re a student facing challenging subjects or overwhelming assignments, a parent balancing busy schedules, or a teacher or school administrator juggling the demands of lesson planning, student needs, and administrative responsibilities, it’s essential to take time to turn to God for guidance.
Pausing to seek His direction can bring clarity in moments of stress and peace amid the busyness.
In his book, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, John Mark Comer says, “the solution to an overbusy life is not more time. It’s to slow down and simplify our lives around what really matters.” Pausing to seek His direction can bring clarity in moments of stress and peace amid the busyness. It’s hard to hear God’s voice when you’re constantly rushing around. By slowing down and focusing on God’s truth, you open yourself to wisdom that can help you navigate challenges and make decisions with confidence. This is why the sabbath is such an important element for Christians – it allows time each week to rest and listen to the Lord.
God Himself set this example when He rested on the seventh day after creating the world, not because He needed rest, but to establish a rhythm of work and restoration for His creation (Genesis 2:2-3). Observing the Sabbath helps us honor this divine design, realigning our priorities and finding renewal in His presence.
Pause and Reflect
David consistently reflects on God’s greatness and power, regardless of his circumstances: “for you are the God of my salvation.” This reminder of God’s saving power serves as an anchor for David, keeping his focus on God’s unchanging nature, even during times of distress or uncertainty. In the midst of struggles, David turns to the God who has faithfully delivered him in the past, trusting that God’s power is still at work in his life. By continually recognizing God’s sovereignty, David models how to shift our perspective from our immediate busyness or challenges to the enduring truth of God’s greatness and His ability to save and guide us through any situation.
In many ways, David’s psalms are a kind of journal—a place where he poured out his heart, recording his prayers, fears, and praises to God. Writing prayers can be a powerful spiritual practice, helping us process our emotions, articulate our faith, and deepen our relationship with God by intentionally reflecting on His presence and faithfulness in our lives. It’s also great to be able to go back and see how God has used various circumstances to grow us, and oftentimes we can see the answers to our prayers.
When we truly “store up God’s word in our heart” as Psalm 119:11 says, we have the goodness and truth of who God is to anchor us in times of doubt or difficulty. This is where journaling can be especially powerful, allowing you to see how God has been there in the past, giving confidence in His provision for the future.
...David models how to shift our perspective from our immediate busyness or challenges to the enduring truth of God’s greatness and His ability to save and guide us through any situation.
Pause and Hope
The latter part of the verse, “for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long,” emphasizes that our hope is secured in God, not just during times of success but throughout our entire journey. In moments of academic pressure, where the stress of exams or the fear of failure looms large, this verse reassures us that our hope does not depend on our own strength alone but on God’s unchanging support.
As C.S. Lewis puts it, “God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself because it is not there. There is no such thing.” Our happiness and hope can only be found in God, who is the ultimate source of salvation, strength, and guidance in every circumstance.
Final Thoughts
As we prepare for spring and the sense of renewal it brings, Psalm 25:5 reminds us that education is not just a pursuit of knowledge but a journey of faith. Just as spring ushers in new beginnings and growth, our academic journeys are opportunities for spiritual and personal transformation. By seeking God’s guidance and placing our hope in Him, we turn each challenge and achievement into a chance to deepen our relationship with Him. As you continue your studies, remember to lean on this promise: God is your guide and your hope, now and always. May this verse inspire and sustain you, bringing fresh perspectives and growth as you move forward in your learning and in your faith.
Footnotes
Henry, Matthew. Genesis. Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Complete). 1706. http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/genesis/ (accessed December 10, 2024).
Comer, John Mark, and John Ortberg. The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry First edition., WaterBrook, 2019.
The ESV Study Bible. Crossway, 2012.
C.S. Lewis (Mere Christianity, bk. II, chap. 3, para. 7, p. 54.
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