John Calvin Commentary Psalms 25:18

"Consider mine affliction and my travail; And forgive all my sins." — Psalms 25:18 (ASV)

Look upon mine affliction. By repeating these complaints so frequently, he plainly shows that the calamities with which he was assailed were not some slight and trivial evils. And this ought to be carefully noted by us, so that when trials and afflictions are measured out to us in the same manner, we may be enabled to lift up our souls to God in prayer; for the Holy Spirit has set before our view this representation, so that our minds may not fail us under the multitude or weight of afflictions.

But to obtain an alleviation of these miseries, David again prays that his sins may be pardoned, recalling what he had already stated, that he could not expect to enjoy the divine favor unless he were first reconciled to God by receiving a free pardon.

Indeed, those are very unperceptive who, content with deliverance from bodily affliction, do not search out the evils of their own hearts—that is, their sins—but, as much as is in their power, would rather have them buried in oblivion.

Therefore, to find a remedy for his cares and sorrows, David begins by imploring the remission of his sins, because as long as God is angry with us, it must necessarily follow that all our affairs will come to an unhappy termination; and he always has just cause for displeasure against us as long as our sins continue—that is, until he pardons them.

And although the Lord has various purposes in view when he brings his people under the cross, yet we ought to hold fast to the principle that as often as God afflicts us, we are called to examine our own hearts and humbly seek reconciliation with him.