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Illustration for Psalm 31: Trust in the LORD

Psalm 31

Trust in the LORD

ProtectionComfortCourage

David is in a lot of trouble and runs to God like a safe hiding place. He says 'Into Your hands I commit my spirit' — the same words Jesus prayed on the cross. Even in the hardest times, David chooses to trust in God's love.

  1. 1In You, O LORD, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in Your righteousness.
  2. 2Turn Your ear to me; come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me.
  3. 3Since You are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of Your name lead and guide me.
  4. 4Free me from the net that is hidden for me, for You are my refuge.
  5. 5Into Your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O LORD, faithful God.
  6. 6I hate those who cling to worthless idols; I trust in the LORD.
  7. 7I will be glad and rejoice in Your loving devotion, for You saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul.
  8. 8You have not handed me over to the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place.
  9. 9Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eye is worn out from grief— my soul and body as well.
  10. 10For my life is consumed with sorrow and my years with groaning; my strength fails because of my iniquity, and my bones waste away.
  11. 11Because of all my enemies, I have become a reproach— even to my neighbors— an object of dread to my acquaintances; those who see me on the street flee from me.
  12. 12I have been forgotten like a dead man out of mind; I have become like a broken vessel.
  13. 13For I hear the slander of many; terror is on every side; they conspire together against me and plot to take my life.
  14. 14But I trust in You, O LORD; I say, "You are my God."
  15. 15My times are in Your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me.
  16. 16Make Your face shine on Your servant; save me in Your loving devotion.
  17. 17Let me not be put to shame, O LORD, for I called on You; let the wicked be put to shame; let them lie silent in Sheol.
  18. 18Let lying lips be silenced, for with pride and contempt they speak against the righteous.
  19. 19How great is Your goodness that You have stored up for those who fear You, that You bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in You.
  20. 20In the shelter of Your presence You hide them from the schemes of men; You keep them safe in Your dwelling from contentious tongues.
  21. 21Blessed be the LORD, for He has wonderfully shown His loving devotion to me in a city under siege.
  22. 22In my alarm I said, "I am cut off from Your sight!" Yet You heard the voice of my supplications when I cried to You for help.
  23. 23Love the LORD, all His saints! The LORD preserves the faithful but fully repays the arrogant.
  24. 24Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.

What it means

We can hand our whole selves to God — Jesus prayed verse 5 of this psalm on the cross. Our times are in God's hands, so we can be strong and brave while we wait for Him.

A little prayer

Father, into Your hands I place my whole self. My times are in Your hands — help me be strong and take heart, because I'm waiting on You. Amen.

Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible (BSB)