The Shadow of Indecision
Facing Fear • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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· 4 viewsLead Pastor Wes Terry preaches a sermon entitled “What If I Make The Wrong Decision” and was preached out of Psalm 25 for the sermon series “Facing Fear in the Face of God.” The sermon was preached on January 19th, 2025.
Notes
Transcript
INTRODUCTION:
INTRODUCTION:
Have you ever been in one of those impossible situations with no easy answers?
No matter which road you took, the outcome wasn’t going to be great?
Added to that sense of impending doom was the guilt of knowing things could’ve been different.
Because of choices you did or didn’t make, you found yourself in “lose-lose game.”
The anxiety we feel around “making the wrong decision” is an universal experience because of a universal problem.
We have a tendency of making the wrong decisions before we make the right one.
The more wrong decisions we make the harder it becomes to take the right road.
Wrong decisions make the the right decision even harder to make.
As I’ll often say when I’m counseling individuals, the greater the sin the greater mess.
Whether it’s “our bad” decisions or the ones made around us, finding the right way forward becomes a difficult task.
People are already nuanced and complicated by virtue of being human.
When you add the complexity of human sin to the equation it has a compounding effect on chaos.
So it’s no surprise many of us struggle with the question, “What if I make the wrong decision?” Psalm 25 gives us an answer.
The Setting for Psalm 25
The Setting for Psalm 25
Psalm 25 is an acrostic Psalm built on a chiasm using the Hebrew alphabet. Like Psalm 37, it has some distinguishing marks.
Both skip a few letters (Bet, Vav, and Qoph) and add an additional letter (Peh) at the end of the Psalm.
These markers establish Psalm 25 and Psalm 34 as pillars in an overarching structure for Book 1 of the Psalms
(Graphic)
The main point of the Psalm 25 is that we need God’s guidance when making a hard decision
This is especially true when you consider the historical background for David’s words.
We’re not given the specific details but there are clues inside the text.
1 Lord, I appeal to you.
2 My God, I trust in you.
Do not let me be disgraced;
do not let my enemies gloat over me.
If you’re familiar with David’s life these words were stated often.
It could’ve been during his persecution from King Saul - hiding in caves while looking over his shoulder.
It might’ve been after his sin with Bathsheba. He had ruined key relationships and invited God’s judgment into his life.
But the end of the Psalm conflates David’s deliverance with that of the nation of Israel.
21 May integrity and what is right
watch over me,
for I wait for you.
22 God, redeem Israel, from all its distresses.
The conflation of David’s deliverance with Israel’s redemption makes me think the back drop of Psalm 25 is Absalom’s rebellion.
If you’re unfamiliar with the story, it’s one of the greatest tragedies in the life of David.
Absalom’s Rebellion
Absalom’s Rebellion
It was 30 or so years after David had taken the throne. He had united Israel, expanded the kingdom and led them to great success.
His sin with Bathsheba disrupted that success, ruining key relationships and unleashing chaos in his family.
Amnon - David’s firstborn (heir apparent to the throne) - raped his step sister Tamar and showed no remorse for his action.
Absalom - David’s third-born son and a biological brother to Tamar - hated Amnon for his sin and hated his dad for doing nothing about it.
This murderous rage culminated with Absolom having Amnon killed (2 Samuel 13:28-29) while plotting to overthrow his Father’s throne.
He quietly turned the people’s heart against David, growing the size of his criminal conspiracy. (2 Samuel 15:1-9)
This culminated in Hebron when Absolom coopted Ahithophel (David top advisor and grandfather to Bathsheba) (2 Samuel 15:12, 31)
David and those loyal to him were forced to flee Jerusalem, weeping as they crossed the Kidron Valley, walking barefoot up the mount of Olives. (2 Samuel 15:14-23)
MAP
Sinful choices can create an impossible dilemma where there are no easy answers.
David’s sinful choices put him in an impossible situation.
There were no easy answers. His enemy was his own child - whom he loved very much.
Like many of us, David questioned, “How do I keep from making the wrong decision?”
Psalm 25 answers this question but not in the way we might initially think.
God doesn’t just give us a blueprint with instructions. He extends an invitation to a personal relationship.
JI Packer likened it to being in a car going to a destination but you have no idea where you’re going so you stop in to ask a local.
You tell him where you’re headed but he says, “well it’s pretty complicated from here” He goes on to give you these details instructions and a makeshift map.
Noticing the look of dread on your face he’s says, “I’m actually going that way myself, why don’t you follow me.”
You follow him to the destination - still having no idea where you’re going but you’re not longer anxious because you’ve got someone serving as your guide.
An impossible dilemma requires a guide more than a map.
Psalm 25 presents the Lord as that guide and God’s guidance as a gift of grace.
He offers guidance to sinners regardless of the situation and whether or not we deserve to receive it.
If the Lord was faithful to guide David though his impossible situation then he will be faithful to help you move forward as well.
For the rest of our time I want to use this Psalm as a blueprint for receiving God’s guidance.
GETTING GOD’S GUIDANCE
GETTING GOD’S GUIDANCE
The first we’ve already encountered with David’s description in the first few verses.
1 Lord, I appeal to you.
2 My God, I trust in you.
Do not let me be disgraced;
do not let my enemies gloat over me.
3 No one who waits for you
will be disgraced;
those who act treacherously without cause
will be disgraced.
When you’re faced with a decision that has no easy answers the most important thing to realize is the value of God’s wisdom.
Your Only Hope
Your Only Hope
Whereas David had previously trusted the wisdom of his best advisors (like Ahithopehl) he is now acknowledging, “LORD, to YOU I lift my soul…” (Psalm 25:1)
The word translated soul means the entire life force of a person. David’s hopes, dreams, creativity and energy - all of it was being surrendered fully to the LORD.
When you come to a place of absolute surrender, you’ll often discover the value of God’s guidance.
God’s guidance is given to those who acknowledge as their hope.
That’s why the Scripture encourages us to
“lean not on our own understanding but in all our ways acknowledge the LORD so he can make our paths straight.” (Pro 3:5-6)
There is a way that seems right to a man but in the end it leads to destruction. (Pro 14:12)
Sometimes, when faced with an impossible decision, it’s tempting to reject God’s wisdom because you think you know better than the LORD.
But wisdom is only given to those who recognize it’s voice.
You’ll never hear the voice of God’s guidance if you’re too busy listening to other voices.
Imagine David, walking out of Jerusalem - his servants silent as they contemplated their new life on the run.
David trudges up the mount of olives and looks back over the city of Jerusalem.
He was at the very end of his rope. He had no where left to turn.
Sometimes it’s not until God is all you have that you finally realize he’s the only one you need. (2 Samuel 16:7)
God’s guidance is our best hope for making the right decision.
20 Guard me and rescue me;
do not let me be disgraced,
for I take refuge in you.
21 May integrity and what is right
watch over me,
for I wait for you.
Ask For Help
Ask For Help
But it’s not enough to acknowledge your need. You’ve also got to ask God for help.
This is exactly where David goes next.
4 Make your ways known to me, Lord;
teach me your paths.
Notice that David isn’t asking God to bless his plan for solving his problem. David has given up his approach to solving the problems in his life.
YOUR WAYS - make them known to me, LORD.
The Hebrew word (Derek) conveys the idea of a road or a journey. It’s a metaphor for a person’s “manner of life” or “course of action.” A habitual way of living.
In other words, David isn’t just saying, “Give me the right answer.” He’s saying, “teach me a new way to live my life!”
Teach me your paths.
The Hebrew Word translated path (Orach) is similar but distinct. It’s the idea of a well-trodden path (like my sheep have made.) It’s usually associated with wisdom or things just working the way they should.
David is saying to the Lord, “I’d like to try a different approach, now.”
To receive God’s guidance you’ve got to ask God for help.
If God’s ways describe his general prescription for how to live then his paths are the specific steps in getting there.
In verse five David emphasizes again, Psalm 25:5
5 Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
I wait for you all day long.
God’s truth (Emet) is his eternal and unchanging nature. God’s faithfulness and reliability are because he’s a God of truth.
David’s own course of action had proven to be the opposite. My plans weren’t as reliable as I thought so I’m going to try it your way instead.
WHY? Because you’re the only one who can save me!
WHY? Because I’m sitting here waiting on you to do what only you can do.
Why We Can Ask
Why We Can Ask
David adds more detail on his request in verses 16-19.
16 Turn to me and be gracious to me,
for I am alone and afflicted.
17 The distresses of my heart increase;
bring me out of my sufferings.
18 Consider my affliction and trouble,
and forgive all my sins.
19 Consider my enemies; they are numerous,
and they hate me violently.
Not only does David make an additional petition to the LORD to turn and be gracious. He also take responsibility for his own role in the mess.
These verses show us a couple of things about asking God for help.
First, we can ask for help regardless of what we deserve.
David’s request for guidance is a petition for God to show mercy and grace.
David doesn’t presume upon God’s guidance or ask with a spirit of entitlement. He demonstrates humility by recognizing God’s mercy is a gift.
In verse 17 he specifically asks God for his forgiveness. “Forgive all my sin…”
Some don’t ask God for help because they think they have to earn it. They know they don’t deserve God’s help.
David knew his sins disqualified him from God’s help. Nevertheless, he knew God’s character was also marked by mercy and grace.
We are desperately sick and guilty before the Lord. But God is gracious and kind to the humble and repentant.
When we acknowledge our need for grace and request it from a place of humility. God is faithful to provide for our need.
Another reason that people don’t ask God for help is because of their emotional state of mind.
They act as through God will only help them if they have the right kind of attitude before the LORD. But that’s not what David shows in this Psalm
David is completely honest about his emotional condition. “I’m alone and afflicted. The distresses of my heart increase…”
You don’t have to be in a good mood or feel like the perfect Christian to ask God for help. All of God’s mercy towards us is underserved mercy.
We can ask God for help regardless of how we feel.
Finally David shows us that God is familiar with our suffering.
He makes the request in verse 17, “Bring me out of my sufferings…”
But then he reminds himself that God knows exactly what’s going on.
Consider my affliction and suffering….
Consider my numerous enemies and their hatred….
One of the things that will motivate you to ask God for help is reminding yourself of how aware God is of your situation.
You don’t have to fill him in. He’s the wisest person in the room. He knows your problem even better than you do.
You can ask God for help because God knows and cares.
This is what Peter said to the suffering Christians scattered across the Roman empire.
If you can worry about it, you can pray about it.
“Cast your cares on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7)
Why would we make prayer is our last resort instead of our first resource?
Ask With A Humble Heart
Ask With A Humble Heart
But casting your cares on the LORD requires one more thing. The third step is shared in Psalm 25:6-7
6 Remember, Lord, your compassion
and your faithful love,
for they have existed from antiquity.
7 Do not remember the sins of my youth
or my acts of rebellion;
in keeping with your faithful love, remember me
because of your goodness, Lord.
If you notice these verses form their own mini chiasm. These verses summarize the whole message of the Bible.
You have God’s mercy (compassion) and goodness (tov) form the outer edge.
God’s faithful love (hesed) buttressing each side.
Finally, in the middle you have David’s sin and rebellion.
It’s almost as if God’s goodness and mercy swallow up David’s brokenness.
The word translated remember means “To take to court” or “make known.”
The idea is that God would not bring to court David’s guilt and shame but rather God’s character to show mercy and grace.
David’s appeal to God’s character and his confession of sin show the proper heart posture to receive God’s guidance into our life.
It not enough to just know we need God’s guidance and ask for his help.
We must also ask the Lord with the right kind of heart.
God will only guides people with a certain kind of character.
How To Humble Yourself
How To Humble Yourself
The character virtue required is one of humility. It’s the opposite of the vice that gives birth to all sin: pride.
We know this intuitively. If you’ve ever had kids or tried to teach somebody something - when they have a haughty spirit they’re unlikely to learn!
If we act like we have nothing to learn then why would God be interested in teaching us?
You might assume humility would be easy to find. But that’s not always true.
The harder the decision to more obsessed with self we become. The pride and self-focus keeps us from seeing clearly to move forward.
So how can we foster a heart of humility? The same way David does.
First, he considers God’s character. (he is both holy/just and merciful/kind)
Secondly, he confesses his sin. (both present and past)
God’s Character + Our Confession = Humility
Secret Counsel
Secret Counsel
The reason humility is so central to God’s guidance is because pride prohibits us from receiving God’s help.
The Lord resists the proud but he gives grace to the humble. (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5; Proverbs 3:34)
He takes note of the humble. (Psalm 138:6) and looks favorably upon them. (Isaiah 66:2)
David reaffirms this in verses 14-15
Psalm 25:14–15 (CSB)
14 The secret counsel of the Lord
is for those who fear him,
and he reveals his covenant to them.
15 My eyes are always on the Lord,
for he will pull my feet out of the net.
I love that phrase, “the secret counsel of the LORD.”
Don’t you love it when you become really closes friends with somebody and after the trust is formed they start to share their secrets.
It’s like you know something that nobody else can know. It feels special and acknowledge the special bond that you have with that person.
Well guess what? The LORD has secrets that he’d like to share. But to hear God’s secrets we’ve got to have an intimate relationship.
God only shares his secrets to those close enough to hear them.
That’s the idea behind the phrase “those who fear him.”
The fear of the Lord doesn’t mean we’re cowering in the corner afraid of making God mad.
“The Fear of God is the cultivated consciousness that I live in God’s presence.” (Stuart Olyott)
To fear the LORD means to practice the presence of God and live as if God is with you and aware of every decision you make; every thought you think; every word you speak and every breath you breath.
Just like a child in the presence of a good earthly dad we listen and watch the things that he does. We engage in our activities ever aware of his presence.
Listening, looking and discerning his spirit to make sure we’re keeping in step with his way.
Humility is the virtue that makes such a dynamic possible.
HOW GOD GUIDES
HOW GOD GUIDES
Once you’ve acknowledged God’s guidance as your only hope and cried out for help with a humble heart - you’re in a position to receive God’s guidance.
The last question the Psalm answers is HOW God guides and the fruit it produces.
These verses frame the central truth of the Psalm.
8 The Lord is good and upright;
therefore he shows sinners the way.
9 He leads the humble in what is right
and teaches them his way.
Notice the three main verbs that describe the Lord’s guidance. He shows, he leads & he teaches.
What a wonderful promise to those who need God’s guidance in their life.
God is not only willing but he’s actually eager and excited for you to know his will.
I think so many people assume God is up in heaven concealing what he wants, holding secrets close to the vest- making us guess through trial by error.
That is not the way the Bible describes the LORD. He is a merciful and kind heavenly Father who delights in showing, leading and teaching.
Notice that we don’t even have to become sinless in order to be shown the ways of God. God will show us his ways even though we’re sinners.
But to be led and taught by the LORD a heart of humility is required.
12 Who is this person who fears the Lord?
He will show him the way he should choose.
The Fruit of God’s Guidance
The Fruit of God’s Guidance
Verse 13 shows the fruit of God’s guidance.
13 He will live a good life,
and his descendants will inherit the land.
Again we see the connection between our fear of the LORD and God’s willingness to show us the right way.
If I could summarize it simply
For God to show you the way you need to open up your eyes.
For God to teach you the way you need to open up your ears.
For God to lead you on the way you need to open up your heart.
Those who receive God’s guidance don’t receive it and leave it. God shows them they way they choose to walk in it.
It’s not enough to know the right thing if you don’t do it.
But when you DO the right thing God will attach his blessing.
“He will live a good life, and his descendants will inherit the land.”
The “good life” isn’t just a life of ethics and morals. The “good life” is a life God’s blessing and favor.
It can include material prosperity and often has financial benefits. But it also includes God’s blessing in every other arena.
And notice it’s not just for those who walk in God’s way. The blessing extends to your children and descendants.
Just as our bad decision impact the next generation so also our good decision bless those who come after.
For the Sake of God’s Name
For the Sake of God’s Name
The Psalm climaxes in verses 10-11 with the central truth of getting God’s guidance.
10 All the Lord’s ways show faithful love and truth
to those who keep his covenant and decrees.
What an interesting promise from the LORD in these verses.
Making the right call for a hard decision is absolutely possible. The LORD is able and eager to show sinners the way.
And if you’ll do it God’s way he’s promised in advance that his truth and faithful love will manifest on the journey.
We read these words so often we forget what they mean. But when David wrote these words he would’ve had something very specific in mind.
God’s faithful love (hesed) and (truth) were the defining characteristics God applied to himself in the cloud before Moses.
5 The Lord came down in a cloud, stood with him there, and proclaimed his name, “the Lord.” 6 The Lord passed in front of him and proclaimed:
The Lord—the Lord is a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in faithful love and truth,
God’s faithful love (hesed) is his steadfast merciful commitment to the welfare of another regardless of whether they deserve it or earned it.
God’s truth (emet) is his absolute reliability. It ensures he cannot tolerate sin or falseshood.
If God’s nature embodies both of those realities then it’s a problem for humans who are prone to transgressions.
Which is why God further explained to Moses…
7 maintaining faithful love to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, rebellion, and sin. But he will not leave the guilty unpunished, bringing the consequences of the fathers’ iniquity on the children and grandchildren to the third and fourth generation.
The divine paradox is that God desires to forgive and restore sinners (demonstrating his covenant love) but God’s holiness and truth demand the punishment of sin.
How can God fully display his love without compromising His justice? This is the dilemma woven through Psalm 25 (and the entire Bible.)
David acknowledges this dilemma which is why he cries out
11 Lord, for the sake of your name,
forgive my iniquity, for it is immense.
How God Forgives
How God Forgives
If God is holy and just he can’t just “forgive our sins.” There has to be a payment so that sins are atoned.
Which is why Psalm 25 is pointing us beyond David to the greater David the LORD Jesus Christ.
At the cross of Jesus Christ God’s love and justice meet. Psalm 85:10
10 Faithful love and truth will join together;
righteousness and peace will embrace.
God demonstrates his love by offering up His Son as a sacrifice for sinners.
God upholds his truth by pouring out his righteous wrath on Christ who makes atonement.
Without the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ for sin, a relationship with God would never be possible.
But to make the right decision we need more than a map. We need a guide. We need an intimate relationship with the God who knows the way.
So God made a way where there was no way. He sent Jesus into the world to pay the price for our sins so we can say with David “forgive me for the sake of YOUR name.”
God’s forgiveness, like his guidance, isn’t given because we deserve it.
It’s certainly not because we strive and try to earn it. We could never do enough.
Through Jesus God’s guidance is given by grace within a relationship established by the same.
It’s a gift of God’s grace because of his compassion for sinners.
But if we’re going to receive it, we’ve got to come on God’s terms.
We’ve got to realize that God’s grace is our only hope.
We’ve got to ask God for help believing that he will save.
We’ve got to ask for that help from a repentant and humble heart.
When you do that then the Holy Spirit of God will come into your life.
He will open up your eyes so that you can begin to see.
He will open up your ears so that you can begin to hear
He will open up your heart so you can begin to follow.
As you do that, you’ll begin to enjoy the blessing of God’s goodness. The right decision becomes easier with each step you commit to take.
As you draw nearer and nearer to the LORD you begin to hear the best of secrets. The blessed life is unlocked and it’s a blessing to you and those who follow.
What if you make the wrong decision? The answer is “you’ll perish.”
But God would save you from that fate if you would but repent and believe.
