Psalm 31

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

The Best Thing To Do Behind A Person’s Back Is To Pat It.

PSALM 31

FOES. David's enemies persecuted him, lied about him, and spread a net to catch him. Where could he turn for help? ONLY TO THE LORD! If the hand of the enemy is against you (vv. 8, 15), FIND SAFETY IN THE HAND OF THE LORD (vv. 5, 15; John 10:27‑29). Jesus quoted verse 5 when He was on the cross (Luke 23: 46).

FEELINGS. David was ill, possibly as the result of his own disobedience (vv. 9‑13). God can use enemies and sickness to chasten us and bring us to a place of submission. David's enemies laughed at him and his friends ignored him. ALL DAVID COULD DO WAS TURN TO THE LORD FOR HELP, AND THE LORD DID NOT FAIL HIM.

FAITH. THE EMPHASIS IS ON DAVID'S FAITH IN THE LORD. Because of his faith, David was not ashamed (v. 1) BUT REJOICED IN GOD (VV. 6‑7) AND ENJOYED THE SMILE OF GOD UPON HIS LIFE (vv. 14‑16; Num. 6:22‑27). HE KNEW THAT GOD'S GOODNESS WOULD CARRY HIM THROUGH (v. 19).

TRUE FAITH IS NEVER ALONE, FOR IT LEADS TO LOVE AND HOPE (VV. 23‑24), WHICH GIVE YOU THE COURAGE YOU NEED TO WIN THE BATTLE, WHETHER THE FOE IS WITHIN OR WITHOUT.

With the Word - Warren W. Wiersbe

Thomas Nelson Publishers

Nashville

“Used by permission of Thomas Nelson, Inc.”

CONFIDENCE IN A CRISIS

Green Bay Packers' head coach Mike Holmgren looks back at a heartbreaking moment, when he was cut from the New York Jets as backup quarterback to Joe Namath, that directed him to a bigger plan.

"I had committed my life to Jesus Christ when I was 11, but in my pursuit to make a name for myself in football, I left God next to my dust-covered Bible. But after getting cut from the Jets, I pulled out my Bible and found comfort in a verse I had memorized in Sunday school: 'Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths' (Proverbs 3:5-6).

"I asked Jesus Christ to take control again. My priorities in life are faith, family, and football--in that order."

-- Men of Integrity, Vol. 1, no. 2.

(Psa 31 NIV)

In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. {2} Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. {3} Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. {4} Free me from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. {5} Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O LORD, the God of truth. {6} I hate those who cling to worthless idols; I trust in the LORD. {7} I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul. {8} YOU HAVE NOT HANDED ME OVER TO THE ENEMY BUT HAVE SET MY FEET IN A SPACIOUS PLACE. {9} Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief. {10} My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my affliction, and my bones grow weak. {11} Because of all my enemies, I am the utter contempt of my neighbors; I am a dread to my friends-- those who see me on the street flee from me. {12} I am forgotten by them as though I were dead; I have become like broken pottery. {13} For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side; they conspire against me and plot to take my life. {14} But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, "You are my God." {15} My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me. {16} Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love. {17} Let me not be put to shame, O LORD, for I have cried out to you; but let the wicked be put to shame and lie silent in the grave. {18} Let their lying lips be silenced, for with pride and contempt they speak arrogantly against the righteous. {19} HOW GREAT IS YOUR GOODNESS, WHICH YOU HAVE STORED UP FOR THOSE WHO FEAR YOU, WHICH YOU BESTOW IN THE SIGHT OF MEN ON THOSE WHO TAKE REFUGE IN YOU. {20} In the shelter of your presence you hide them from the intrigues of men; in your dwelling you keep them safe from accusing tongues. {21} PRAISE BE TO THE LORD, FOR HE SHOWED HIS WONDERFUL LOVE TO ME when I was in a besieged city. {22} In my alarm I said, "I am cut off from your sight!" YET YOU HEARD MY CRY FOR MERCY WHEN I CALLED TO YOU FOR HELP. {23} LOVE THE LORD, ALL HIS SAINTS! THE LORD PRESERVES THE FAITHFUL, but the proud he pays back in full. {24} Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.