Psalm 31

A prayer of trust (vs. 1-8)—We see the same themes repeated frequently in these psalms, but then, most of our spiritual songs revolve around the same themes—trust, adoration, and praise of God. David expresses his thoughts beautifully. He speaks in verse one of his trust in Jehovah, and his desire for deliverance “in Your righteousness.” He makes several noteworthy requests in this section: for God to hear Him and be his refuge (v. 2); guidance and direction “for Your name’s sake” (v. 3); escape from his enemies through the Lord’s strength (v. 4). His expression of total commitment, “Into thy hand I commend my spirit” was borrowed by Jesus on the cross. In verses 6-8, David tells of his hatred of idolatry and idol worshippers, his trust in the Lord (v. 6), his rejoicing at God’s mercy (v. 7) and His protection from enemies (v. 8). So, again, themes we have seen before, but themes that we, like David, need every day of our lives.

A prayer for mercy and deliverance (vs. 9-13)—The tone of the song changes here, and David pleads for mercy “for I am in trouble” (v. 9). What “trouble” he was in is not stated, but there was grief, sighing, and failing strength “because of my iniquity” (v. 10). We should all grieve over our sins and ask for mercy. His enemies were a problem, but so were his neighbors, and all his “acquaintances” (v. 11). Keep in mind this is Hebrew poetry—parallelism—so some of these statements must be understood in that vein. He is being slandered, and his life is being plotted against (v. 13). Again, how actual this was is problematic; but it expresses feelings and needs that all of us have at times.

Trusting God to save Him (vs. 14-18)—Through all his distresses, David knows that only the Lord can pull him through (v. 14). He places his “times” in the Lord’s hand and requests deliverance “from those who persecute me” (v. 15). Salvation was “for Your mercies’ sake,” not David’s. In other words, David wanted God’s mercy to be demonstrated and exalted more than the saving of his own skin. What a wonderful attitude. David asks for God’s punishment upon his oppressors: “Let the wicked be ashamed; let them be silent in the grave. Let the lying lips be put to silence” (vs. 17-18). Again, to David, only the Lord could do this.

The Lord’s goodness (vs. 19-22)—Verse 19 is one of my favorite in all the Psalms: “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!” “Great” is God’s “goodness” to those who fear Him and trust Him. David knew that part of that goodness was the Lord’s protection (v. 20), plus his “marvelous kindness” (v. 21). Indeed, God’s goodness towards us is “marvelous.” When David thought that perhaps the Lord had turned from him (and this thought was “in my haste”; he didn’t wait on the Lord as he should have, v. 22), “nevertheless You heard the voice of my supplications when I cried out to You.” We must not be hasty in our judgments of God’s actions, and realize that He does hear our pleas.

Words of encouragement (vs. 23-24)—If David’s own example is not sufficient, then we have his final words of exhortation. Love the Lord, for He preserves His people and “fully repays the proud person” (v. 23). Have courage—there will be many times in this life when we will need it—and remember that “He shall strengthen your heart,” if we will hope in Him (v. 24). He may not always respond according to our schedule, but He does hear and He will bless us as He sees our need. Trust in the Lord.