Psalm 31

31:1
For the music director, a psalm of David. In you, O Lord, I have taken
shelter. Never let me be humiliated. Vindicate me by rescuing me.
2
Listen to me. Quickly deliver me. Be my protector and refuge, a stronghold
where I can be safe.
3
For you are my high ridge and my stronghold; for the sake of your own
reputation you lead me and guide me.
4
You will free me from the net they hid for me, for you are my place of
refuge.
5
Into your hand I entrust my life; you will rescue me, O Lord, the faithful
God.
6
I hate those who serve worthless idols, but I trust in the Lord.
7
I will be happy and rejoice in your faithfulness, because you notice my
pain and you are aware of how distressed I am.
8
You do not deliver me over to the power of the enemy; you enable me to
stand in a wide open place.
9
Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am in distress! My eyes grow dim from
suffering. I have lost my strength.
10
For my life nears its end in pain; my years draw to a close as I groan. My
strength fails me because of my sin, and my bones become brittle.
11
Because of all my enemies, people disdain me; my neighbours are appalled by
my suffering—those who know me are horrified by my condition; those who see
me in the street run away from me.
12
I am forgotten, like a dead man no one thinks about; I am regarded as
worthless, like a broken jar.
13
For I hear what so many are saying, the terrifying news that comes from
every direction. When they plot together against me, they figure out how
they can take my life.
14
But I trust in you, O Lord!I declare, “You are my God!”
15
You determine my destiny. Rescue me from the power of my enemies and those
who chase me.
16
Smile on your servant. Deliver me because of your faithfulness.
17
O Lord, do not let me be humiliated, for I call out to you. May evil men be
humiliated.May they go wailing to the grave.
18
May lying lips be silenced—lips that speak defiantly against the innocent
with arrogance and contempt.
19
How great is your favour, which you store up for your loyal followers. In
plain sight of everyone you bestow it on those who take shelter in you.
20
You hide them with you, where they are safe from the attacks of men; you
conceal them in a shelter, where they are safe from slanderous attacks.
21
The Lord deserves praise for he demonstrated his amazing faithfulness to
me when I was besieged by enemies.
22
I jumped to conclusions and said, “I am cut off from your presence!” But
you heard my plea for mercy when I cried out to you for help.
23
Love the Lord, all you faithful followers of his! The Lord protects those
who have integrity, but he pays back in full the one who acts arrogantly.
24
Be strong and confident, all you who wait on the Lord.

One thought:

We find our safety in friends, family, money, skills and many other places. All these things can be gone in moments.

Three questions:

Why is the Psalmist confident in God (consider v3)?

Do you look to God in times of trouble?

How could you rely on God more?

Prayer:

Praise God that He is a trustworthy and faithful shelter for those who look to Him. Give thanks that even now He is protecting you from the worst excesses of sin and evil humanity. Ask God to rescue His people from evil – pray for Christians in nations that are particularly facing adversity.

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