Protected By Integrity and Honesty
Turn to me and have mercy
For I am alone and in deep distress.
My problems go from bad to worse.
Feel my pain and see my trouble
Oh, save me from them all!
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
May integrity and honesty protect me, for I put my trust in you.
Psalm 25:16-21 NLT
For I am alone and in deep distress.
My problems go from bad to worse.
Feel my pain and see my trouble
Oh, save me from them all!
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
May integrity and honesty protect me, for I put my trust in you.
Psalm 25:16-21 NLT
Over and over again in the Psalms we see David asking God for protection from his enemies.
He calls upon God for mercy when he finds himself in distress.
He calls upon God to rescue him when he finds himself in danger from his detractors.
In these verses, David seems overwhelmed by his problems.
He is in trouble, pain and distress; and he cries out to God for help. He feels all alone.
He is asking God to rescue him.
But what I find intriguing is David’s statement: “May integrity and honesty protect me.”
So, not only is David asking God for divine protection; but he is also appealing to his personal character traits of integrity and honesty to protect him even as he continues to put his trust in God. Integrity refers to a state of sound moral principles, uprightness and sincerity.
Honesty is pretty much the same. It also refers to the state of being credible. An honest person is someone who will not lie, cheat or steal. It refers to a truthful, fair and sincere person.
There is an interesting point to note here: When we approach God to fight for our cause, it is a great spiritual asset to be persons of integrity and uprightness. If our personal conduct lacks honesty and integrity, it makes it difficult to mount an effective defense on our behalf.
The fact is: When you exercise integrity and honesty in your life, it offers you added defense against your detractors.
The Bible says in Psalm 15: “Who may worship in your sanctuary, LORD?
Who may enter your presence on your holy hill?? Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts” (Psalm 15:1-2 NLT) This refers to a life of integrity and honesty. As we approach God to defend our cause against our detractors, may we also ensure that we are persons of integrity and honesty. May you be protected by your personal honesty and integrity.
He calls upon God for mercy when he finds himself in distress.
He calls upon God to rescue him when he finds himself in danger from his detractors.
In these verses, David seems overwhelmed by his problems.
He is in trouble, pain and distress; and he cries out to God for help. He feels all alone.
He is asking God to rescue him.
But what I find intriguing is David’s statement: “May integrity and honesty protect me.”
So, not only is David asking God for divine protection; but he is also appealing to his personal character traits of integrity and honesty to protect him even as he continues to put his trust in God. Integrity refers to a state of sound moral principles, uprightness and sincerity.
Honesty is pretty much the same. It also refers to the state of being credible. An honest person is someone who will not lie, cheat or steal. It refers to a truthful, fair and sincere person.
There is an interesting point to note here: When we approach God to fight for our cause, it is a great spiritual asset to be persons of integrity and uprightness. If our personal conduct lacks honesty and integrity, it makes it difficult to mount an effective defense on our behalf.
The fact is: When you exercise integrity and honesty in your life, it offers you added defense against your detractors.
The Bible says in Psalm 15: “Who may worship in your sanctuary, LORD?
Who may enter your presence on your holy hill?? Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts” (Psalm 15:1-2 NLT) This refers to a life of integrity and honesty. As we approach God to defend our cause against our detractors, may we also ensure that we are persons of integrity and honesty. May you be protected by your personal honesty and integrity.
Prayer: O LORD, please help me to live a life of integrity and honesty. Amen.