Eyes on the Lord: Living in the Wisdom and Friendship of God - Psalm 25:14-15
Psalm 25:14-15 (NLT): "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."
Introduction:
Psalm 25 is a psalm of trust and guidance. Here, David, the psalmist, is calling upon the Lord in a time of need. He seeks God’s direction and protection. Verses 14-15 highlight two key truths: that those who revere God enjoy a unique friendship with Him, and that keeping our eyes on the Lord delivers us from danger.
Let’s break this passage down together and explore what it means for our lives today.
1. The Lord is a Friend to Those Who Fear Him
"The Lord is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant." (Psalm 25:14, NLT)
The idea of fear here, in the original Hebrew, is not about terror or dread but refers to reverence or deep respect. Those who fear the Lord are those who live in awe of Him, recognizing His power, His holiness, and His love.
The word for "friend" in Hebrew is ???? (sod), which can also mean counsel, secret, or intimate communication. God doesn’t just remain distant from us—He draws near to those who revere Him. He shares His heart, His plans, and His will. This idea is echoed in Proverbs 3:32 where it says, "He offers His friendship to the godly."
In a world that often values independence, God offers something better: intimacy and guidance. He invites us into a relationship where He teaches us His covenant—His promises and His eternal purposes.
Imagine a trusted friend. You don't tell everyone your deepest thoughts, but a close friend knows the "secret" things. That's the kind of relationship God wants to have with us—one where He reveals His heart, His covenant, and His plans.
Do you desire deeper friendship with God? It begins with reverence. If we stand in awe of God, honouring Him in our lives, He will reveal His heart to us. James 4:8 tells us, "Come close to God, and God will come close to you." God’s friendship isn’t distant; He is present, ready to guide us if we choose to walk in reverence before Him.
Pastor A.W. Tozer once said, "What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us." If we truly revere God, it will transform our lives.
2. He Teaches Them His Covenant
"He teaches them His covenant." (Psalm 25:14, NLT)
What does it mean that God teaches us His covenant? In biblical terms, a covenant is a sacred promise or agreement, often initiated by God toward His people. The most significant covenant is God’s promise of redemption through Jesus Christ.
The Hebrew word for covenant is ??????? (berith), which refers to a binding agreement, often sealed with blood. Throughout Scripture, God makes covenants with His people, from Abraham to David to the New Covenant through Jesus. When we revere God, He reveals His covenant to us—the eternal promises that show His faithfulness and love.
Picture a legal contract. You wouldn't sign a contract without understanding the terms. Similarly, God doesn't leave us in the dark. He teaches us the terms of His covenant. He opens our eyes to His faithfulness, mercy, and grace.
God teaches us His promises through His Word. When we spend time in the Bible, we learn the depth of His covenant love for us. Jeremiah 31:33 says, "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts." If we want to understand God’s promises, we must seek His Word daily. In doing so, we grow in our knowledge of His covenant and live out the purpose He has for us.
3. My Eyes Are Always on the Lord
"My eyes are always on the Lord, for He rescues me from the traps of my enemies." (Psalm 25:15, NLT)
This verse expresses David’s unwavering trust in God’s guidance and protection. Keeping our eyes on the Lord is a metaphor for living a life focused on God and His will.
In Hebrew, the word "eyes" is ????? (ayin), which also conveys the idea of attention or focus. To keep our eyes on the Lord means to be vigilant, attentive, and continually looking to Him for guidance.
David acknowledges that the world is full of traps and dangers, both spiritual and physical. Yet, he expresses confidence in God’s ability to rescue him.
Imagine driving through thick fog. You can’t see far ahead, but if your eyes are fixed on the road, you can stay on course. That’s what it’s like in life when our vision is clouded by distractions, temptations, or challenges. When we fix our eyes on God, He guides us through the fog and keeps us from stumbling into traps.
How often do we take our eyes off God and focus on our problems, fears, or uncertainties? Colossians 3:2 encourages us, "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." By keeping our eyes on Jesus, we experience His rescue and deliverance in times of trouble.
Max Lucado writes, "God never said that the journey would be easy, but He did say that the arrival would be worthwhile." Our journey might be filled with traps, but God is faithful to guide and deliver us.
Conclusion:
Psalm 25:14-15 invites us into a life of reverence, relationship, and reliance on God. When we fear the Lord, He draws near to us as a friend. He teaches us His covenant, revealing His promises and His will for our lives. And when we keep our eyes on Him, He delivers us from the dangers and traps that threaten to entangle us.
Are you living with your eyes fixed on God? Are you seeking His covenant promises and relying on His guidance?
Call to Action:
I encourage you today: seek that deeper friendship with God. Trust Him as your guide, your teacher, and your rescuer. Set your eyes on Him in all circumstances. As Hebrews 12:2 reminds us, "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith."
If you’ve never made the decision to place your trust in Jesus, now is the time. He offers forgiveness, grace, and a life-transforming relationship with Him. If you’re ready to make that decision, I invite you to pray with me today. Accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, and enter into the covenant relationship that He offers.
