Psalm 31

Read Psalm 31

“In you, O LORD, do I take refuge!” Over and over again David wrote beautiful psalms for Israel's worship around the theme of trusting the Lord. God was his “rock of refuge” against violent foes. Even at the the most hopeless moments in his life these words were his earnest plea: “Into your hand I commit my spirit.” His confidence became Israel's song: “You have redeemed me, O Lord.”

David wrote forthrightly about the difference between trusting in idols and faith in God. The Lord was not a lifeless object made by human hands. He was alive. He saw David's affliction and came to his aid. He knew the distress of David's soul and was able to bring him to a place of safety.

David remembered the Lord's previous acts of powerful love and then turned to God with even more confidence. The Lord would help him again as he had in the past. He could be honest with God about his own sin and yet know that God's love for him would remain. His neighbors all around him had become adversaries who were plotting to take his life. They did not have his best interests at heart. Yet the Lord would never fail him.

The man that God chose to be king had this confidence: “My times are in your hand.” He cried out for the Lord's salvation, but he knew that if his life were taken away from him that it would have to be by the permission of the Lord who loved him. If he went to be with God, a better life awaited him: “Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you.” But this great provision could even be experienced in this life, despite the hostility of powerful adversaries. God could bring him safely through every trial. He could show David His love for him even when he was “in a besieged city.” And when David's own fears rose up within him causing him to cry out, “I am cut off from your sight,” the Lord would still hear his voice and send powerful help.

David's words have inspired the faith of many worshipers over the centuries. Jesus himself quoted this psalm from the cross. “Into your hand I commit my spirit.” The Lord's unfailing love has reached us as well. As the apostle John wrote many centuries later, “We love because He first loved us.” As we understand the Lord's unwavering commitment to His chosen people we can embrace the life that He urges for all those who worship the Lord: “Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD!”

Prayer from A Book of Prayers

God of Providence, You are the only hope of the righteous. Be our Rock and our Fortress. We trust our souls and bodies to You. You know the depth of the affliction of Your servants. You see our tears, and You hear our sighs. Though our neighbors may hate or forget us, our times are in Your powerful hand. Save us in Your steadfast love. Your justice will come against Your enemies in the day of Your glory. When all hope seems lost, You remain the sure hope of Your people.