Psalm 31

Psalm 31 is a heartfelt prayer from David, expressing his trust in God during times of deep distress. It reflects a blend of pleas for deliverance, declarations of faith, and thanksgiving for God’s steadfast love. David feels surrounded by enemies and overwhelmed by grief, yet he clings to God as his refuge and strength. The psalm also conveys hope in God's justice and a call for all believers to trust in Him.

Psalm 31:1-10 (NKJV)
1 In You, O Lord, I put my trust;
Let me never be ashamed;
Deliver me in Your righteousness.
2 Bow down Your ear to me,
Deliver me speedily;
Be my rock of refuge,
A fortress of defense to save me.
3 For You are my rock and my fortress;
Therefore, for Your name’s sake,
Lead me and guide me.
4 Pull me out of the net which they have secretly laid for me,
For You are my strength.
5 Into Your hand I commit my spirit;
You have redeemed me, O Lord God of truth.
6 I have hated those who regard useless idols;
But I trust in the Lord.
7 I will be glad and rejoice in Your mercy,
For You have considered my trouble;
You have known my soul in adversities,
8 And have not shut me up into the hand of the enemy;
You have set my feet in a wide place.
9 Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am in trouble;
My eye wastes away with grief,
Yes, my soul and my body!
10 For my life is spent with grief,
And my years with sighing;
My strength fails because of my iniquity,
And my bones waste away.

David begins by expressing absolute trust in God and pleading for protection and deliverance. He asks for God to act quickly, acknowledging Him as a solid rock and fortress. David is aware of hidden traps from his enemies but reaffirms that God is his strength. In verse 5, he commits his spirit into God's hands, a gesture of ultimate trust. He contrasts his loyalty to God with those who worship idols, expressing joy in God’s mercy. However, his emotions are raw—grief has taken a toll on his body and soul. He admits his frailty, both physically and spiritually, and looks to God for help.

Psalm 31:11-18 (NKJV)
11 I am a reproach among all my enemies,
But especially among my neighbors,
And am repulsive to my acquaintances;
Those who see me outside flee from me.
12 I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind;
I am like a broken vessel.
13 For I hear the slander of many;
Fear is on every side;
While they take counsel together against me,
They scheme to take away my life.
14 But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord;
I say, “You are my God.”
15 My times are in Your hand;
Deliver me from the hand of my enemies,
And from those who persecute me.
16 Make Your face shine upon Your servant;
Save me for Your mercies’ sake.
17 Do not let me be ashamed, O Lord, for I have called upon You;
Let the wicked be ashamed;
Let them be silent in the grave.
18 Let the lying lips be put to silence,
Which speak insolent things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.

David describes his sense of abandonment, even by those close to him. He feels discarded and forgotten, as though he is broken and useless. The constant slander and plotting against his life heighten his fear, but he remains steadfast in his trust in God. David acknowledges that his life is under God's control and pleads for deliverance. He prays for God's mercy to shine on him and asks for the wicked, who speak arrogantly, to be silenced. David’s trust in God is unwavering despite the opposition he faces.

Psalm 31:19-24 (NKJV)
19 Oh, how great is Your goodness,
Which You have laid up for those who fear You,
Which You have prepared for those who trust in You
In the presence of the sons of men!
20 You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence
From the plots of man;
You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion
From the strife of tongues.
21 Blessed be the Lord,
For He has shown me His marvelous kindness in a strong city!
22 For I said in my haste,
“I am cut off from before Your eyes”;
Nevertheless You heard the voice of my supplications
When I cried out to You.
23 Oh, love the Lord, all you His saints!
For the Lord preserves the faithful,
And fully repays the proud person.
24 Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart,
All you who hope in the Lord.

David ends the psalm by marveling at God's goodness toward those who fear and trust Him. He praises God for sheltering His people from the schemes and slander of men. In verse 21, he thanks God for the kindness he experienced, comparing it to the security of a strong city. Although he had moments of despair, thinking God had abandoned him, he now celebrates God's faithfulness in hearing his prayers. David encourages all believers to love the Lord, reminding them that God preserves the faithful and deals with the arrogant. His final words are a call to courage and hope, assuring that God will strengthen the hearts of those who wait on Him.