What does Psalm 25:20 mean?

In this verse David asks the Lord to keep his soul safe and deliver him from the pressing danger. His prayer is similar to what the Lord taught His disciples—and us—to pray: "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil" (Matthew 6:13). David requests freedom from disgrace. He knew his enemies wanted to defeat him and thereby disgrace him in the eyes of the people of Israel. Nevertheless, David relied on the Lord to be his safe retreat.

Jesus assured His disciples that the evil world system would persecute them but He would protect them. He said: "In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). Satan wants to disgrace believers, but if we rely on the Lord for protection, Satan cannot win. James tells us to humble ourselves, knowing that God gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). He urges us to place ourselves in God's hands to obtain victory over our fiercest enemy, the Devil. James 4:7 tells us: "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."