Entrusting Our Reputation To God

O LORD, I give my life to you.

I trust in you, my God!

Do not let me be disgraced,

or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat.

No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced,

but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others.

Psalm 25:1-3

One of our greatest fears in this life is disgrace. We dread a loss of honor in the eyes of other people—whether they are friends or foes. Because of this, one of our natural instincts is to cover up our mistakes and protect our reputations. David understood that his honor was ultimately in the hands of God. God is able to keep us from disgrace. He is also able to help us recover from the disgraces we bring on ourselves. But dishonor will fall on those who deceive others to enhance their own reputations.

Instead of worrying about your reputation, your success, or your failure, trust in God. Pray for courage to live with honesty and integrity, and God will look after everything else.

• Dear Lord, do not let me be disgraced. Help me to live in a way that is honorable in your eyes . . .