In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.
Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me.
For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me.
Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou art my strength.
Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth.
I have hated them that regard lying vanities: but I trust in the Lord.
I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities;
And hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy: thou hast set my feet in a large room.
Have mercy upon me, O Lord, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly.
For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing: my strength faileth because of mine iniquity, and my bones are consumed.
I was a reproach among all mine enemies, but especially among my neighbours, and a fear to mine acquaintance: they that did see me without fled from me.
I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind: I am like a broken vessel.
For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life.
But I trusted in thee, O Lord: I said, Thou art my God.
My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.
Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies’ sake.
Let me not be ashamed, O Lord; for I have called upon thee: let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave.
Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.
Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!
Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.
Blessed be the Lord: for he hath shewed me his marvellous kindness in a strong city.
For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee.
O love the Lord, all ye his saints: for the Lord preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.
Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.
Psalms 31 is a powerful psalm of trust and lament, offering solace and encouragement to those facing adversity. David, the likely author, pours out his heart to God, expressing both his distress and his unwavering faith. This psalm, resonating with themes found in Psalms 4, 25, and 71, provides a model for how believers can navigate difficult times by clinging to God's promises and character. Let's delve into the depths of this psalm and discover its enduring message.
A Plea for Deliverance and Guidance (Psalms 31:1-5)
David begins with an urgent prayer for deliverance from his enemies and for divine guidance. He seeks refuge in the Lord, acknowledging Him as his rock and fortress. He declares, "In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me!" (Psalms 31:1). This isn't merely a hope; it's a confident assertion rooted in God's righteousness and faithfulness. David isn't just looking for a way out; he's looking to God as the only true source of stability, security, and protection. He places his very life into God's hands, echoing the sentiment Jesus expressed on the cross (Luke 23:46), "Into your hand I entrust my spirit" (Psalms 31:5). This act of surrender demonstrates a complete reliance on God's sovereignty and care.
Remembering God's Faithfulness (Psalms 31:6-8)
Having affirmed his trust, David reflects on past experiences of divine rescue. He contrasts his reliance on God with the futility of idolatry, declaring his hatred for those who worship worthless idols (Psalms 31:6). He knows that these idols are lifeless and powerless. The Lord, however, is worthy of trust because of His faithful love. Because of God's commitment to his covenant with David, and David’s dependence on him, he delivered David from his enemy (Psalms 31:8). God has demonstrated His power and willingness to intervene on his behalf. This remembrance fuels his present hope and strengthens his resolve to remain steadfast in his faith.
The Agony of Hardship and Abandonment (Psalms 31:9-13)
Despite his trust in God, David doesn't shy away from acknowledging the pain and hardship he's experiencing. He pours out his heart to the Lord, detailing his distress and frustration. His life is consumed with grief, his strength has failed, and he feels forgotten and ridiculed, not only by his enemies but also by his friends (Psalms 31:9-12). He is hurt by gossip (Psalms 31:13). This transparency is a powerful example for us. David doesn't try to sugarcoat his feelings or pretend that everything is okay. He brings his raw emotions before God, trusting that He can handle his honesty. This part of the psalm reminds us that it's okay to be vulnerable with God and to share our struggles openly with Him.
Choosing Trust in the Face of Despair (Psalms 31:14-18)
Even in the depths of despair, David chooses to reaffirm his trust in God. He declares, "But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, 'You are my God'" (Psalms 31:14). He knows that God has the power to rescue him. David understood that every aspect of his life was in God’s hands. He anticipates deliverance because of God’s character. He acknowledges God's sovereign control over his life, believing that his times are in His hands (Psalms 31:15). He then prays for God's favor and protection, asking Him to "shine your face on your servant" (Psalms 31:16). In ancient figures of speech, a shining face represented happiness and approval. Hebrew thinking also used "light" as a symbol for truth and goodness. So, when David asks God to "shine His face," he is asking for divine approval and blessing. This echoes the words God gave to Aaron to use when blessing Israel (Numbers 6:22–27). He also prays for his enemies to be silenced and shamed (Psalms 31:17-18).
Experiencing God's Goodness and Protection (Psalms 31:19-22)
David marvels at the goodness God has in store for those who fear Him. He describes it as something stored up (Psalms 31:19). For those who fear God, the goodness of God is described as something stored up (31:19). He has piled his goodness high and is ready to dispense it to those who take him seriously, honor him, and look to him with expectation. "What no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human heart has conceived—God has prepared these things for those who love him" (1 Corinthians 2:9). He recognizes that God serves as a refuge of goodness for those who trust in Him. He testifies that God has wondrously shown His faithful love (Psalms 31:22). Even when David's fears made him feel alienated from God, he acknowledges that God heard his prayer.
An Exhortation to Hope and Courage (Psalms 31:23-24)
The psalm concludes with a powerful exhortation to all believers. David encourages them to love the Lord, be strong and courageous, and put their hope in Him (Psalms 31:23-24). God is worthy of this because of who he is and the support he promises to all who look to him. He knows the Lord avenges the wicked. He encourages all who trust God to be purposeful, brave, and constant in their faith. This is not just a passive hope, but an active trust that empowers us to face challenges with resilience and faith.
Psalms 31 is a timeless reminder that even in the midst of our struggles, we can find refuge and strength in God. By entrusting our lives to Him, remembering His faithfulness, and clinging to His promises, we can navigate the storms of life with courage and hope. Let this psalm challenge you to know God’s character so that you can appeal to that character when you need him most.
In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.
Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me.
For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me.
Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou art my strength.
Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth.
I have hated them that regard lying vanities: but I trust in the Lord.
I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities;
And hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy: thou hast set my feet in a large room.
Have mercy upon me, O Lord, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly.
For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing: my strength faileth because of mine iniquity, and my bones are consumed.
I was a reproach among all mine enemies, but especially among my neighbours, and a fear to mine acquaintance: they that did see me without fled from me.
I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind: I am like a broken vessel.
For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life.
But I trusted in thee, O Lord: I said, Thou art my God.
My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.
Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies’ sake.
Let me not be ashamed, O Lord; for I have called upon thee: let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave.
Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.
Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!
Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.
Blessed be the Lord: for he hath shewed me his marvellous kindness in a strong city.
For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee.
O love the Lord, all ye his saints: for the Lord preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.
Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.
Psalms 31 is a powerful psalm of trust and lament, offering solace and encouragement to those facing adversity. David, the likely author, pours out his heart to God, expressing both his distress and his unwavering faith. This psalm, resonating with themes found in Psalms 4, 25, and 71, provides a model for how believers can navigate difficult times by clinging to God's promises and character. Let's delve into the depths of this psalm and discover its enduring message.
A Plea for Deliverance and Guidance (Psalms 31:1-5)
David begins with an urgent prayer for deliverance from his enemies and for divine guidance. He seeks refuge in the Lord, acknowledging Him as his rock and fortress. He declares, "In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me!" (Psalms 31:1). This isn't merely a hope; it's a confident assertion rooted in God's righteousness and faithfulness. David isn't just looking for a way out; he's looking to God as the only true source of stability, security, and protection. He places his very life into God's hands, echoing the sentiment Jesus expressed on the cross (Luke 23:46), "Into your hand I entrust my spirit" (Psalms 31:5). This act of surrender demonstrates a complete reliance on God's sovereignty and care.
Remembering God's Faithfulness (Psalms 31:6-8)
Having affirmed his trust, David reflects on past experiences of divine rescue. He contrasts his reliance on God with the futility of idolatry, declaring his hatred for those who worship worthless idols (Psalms 31:6). He knows that these idols are lifeless and powerless. The Lord, however, is worthy of trust because of His faithful love. Because of God's commitment to his covenant with David, and David’s dependence on him, he delivered David from his enemy (Psalms 31:8). God has demonstrated His power and willingness to intervene on his behalf. This remembrance fuels his present hope and strengthens his resolve to remain steadfast in his faith.
The Agony of Hardship and Abandonment (Psalms 31:9-13)
Despite his trust in God, David doesn't shy away from acknowledging the pain and hardship he's experiencing. He pours out his heart to the Lord, detailing his distress and frustration. His life is consumed with grief, his strength has failed, and he feels forgotten and ridiculed, not only by his enemies but also by his friends (Psalms 31:9-12). He is hurt by gossip (Psalms 31:13). This transparency is a powerful example for us. David doesn't try to sugarcoat his feelings or pretend that everything is okay. He brings his raw emotions before God, trusting that He can handle his honesty. This part of the psalm reminds us that it's okay to be vulnerable with God and to share our struggles openly with Him.
Choosing Trust in the Face of Despair (Psalms 31:14-18)
Even in the depths of despair, David chooses to reaffirm his trust in God. He declares, "But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, 'You are my God'" (Psalms 31:14). He knows that God has the power to rescue him. David understood that every aspect of his life was in God’s hands. He anticipates deliverance because of God’s character. He acknowledges God's sovereign control over his life, believing that his times are in His hands (Psalms 31:15). He then prays for God's favor and protection, asking Him to "shine your face on your servant" (Psalms 31:16). In ancient figures of speech, a shining face represented happiness and approval. Hebrew thinking also used "light" as a symbol for truth and goodness. So, when David asks God to "shine His face," he is asking for divine approval and blessing. This echoes the words God gave to Aaron to use when blessing Israel (Numbers 6:22–27). He also prays for his enemies to be silenced and shamed (Psalms 31:17-18).
Experiencing God's Goodness and Protection (Psalms 31:19-22)
David marvels at the goodness God has in store for those who fear Him. He describes it as something stored up (Psalms 31:19). For those who fear God, the goodness of God is described as something stored up (31:19). He has piled his goodness high and is ready to dispense it to those who take him seriously, honor him, and look to him with expectation. "What no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human heart has conceived—God has prepared these things for those who love him" (1 Corinthians 2:9). He recognizes that God serves as a refuge of goodness for those who trust in Him. He testifies that God has wondrously shown His faithful love (Psalms 31:22). Even when David's fears made him feel alienated from God, he acknowledges that God heard his prayer.
An Exhortation to Hope and Courage (Psalms 31:23-24)
The psalm concludes with a powerful exhortation to all believers. David encourages them to love the Lord, be strong and courageous, and put their hope in Him (Psalms 31:23-24). God is worthy of this because of who he is and the support he promises to all who look to him. He knows the Lord avenges the wicked. He encourages all who trust God to be purposeful, brave, and constant in their faith. This is not just a passive hope, but an active trust that empowers us to face challenges with resilience and faith.
Psalms 31 is a timeless reminder that even in the midst of our struggles, we can find refuge and strength in God. By entrusting our lives to Him, remembering His faithfulness, and clinging to His promises, we can navigate the storms of life with courage and hope. Let this psalm challenge you to know God’s character so that you can appeal to that character when you need him most.