Hobart Herd Devotional – Psalms 31 – 6-1-20
Many of the Psalms follow a similar pattern of Cry to the Lord, Confession of Confidence in the Lord, Prayer of supplication, ending in Praise and worship. The only problem we have in identifying the event that caused these cries for help is that David faced so many situations of traumatic danger and betrayal from his enemies, family and “friends” that we can’t tell which prayers came from which situation. Maybe you feel like there is so much trauma in your life that the Lord must surely get tired of your petitions, requests and cries. Just take note of David’s songs of prayer and praise. The Lord wants to be there with you in every situation. He wants to hear your cries, prayers and praise as He listens and acts on your behalf.
David is again crying out to the Lord to be his refuge, rock and strength against his enemies.(vs. 1-2) However, he doesn’t just cry to the Lord, but He then declares in confident faith that the Lord is his Rock and he trusts Him to protect and deliver him from his enemies.(vs. 3-4) Oh that I would be like David and commit myself to Him in faith: Psalms 31:5 Into Thy hand I commit my spirit; Thou hast ransomed me, O LORD, God of truth.(NAS) I can truly trust in His loving kindness and goodness. Can I say from my heart these words: Ps 31:14 But as for me, I trust in Thee, O LORD, I say, “Thou art my God.”(NAS) David alternates from request to statement of faith and trust continually throughout this Psalm. There are times when it seems he will falter and give up, but then his understanding and faith in his God lifts him up over the trials he is facing.
Almost every Psalm ends with a statement of praise, worship and honor to our God! If there is one thing I have learned to do; regardless of how I feel, or the impossible trouble I am facing, I can begin to connect my problem to the promise and protection of the Lord in His Word. When I do this in my prayers, it turns from doomsday to the joy of the Lord. Psalms 31:23-24, 23 O love the LORD, all you His godly ones! The LORD preserves the faithful, and fully recompenses the proud doer. 24 Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the LORD.(NAS) I can let my heart take courage because my hope is in the Lord!
Father, thank You for hearing my continual cries for help, strength, protection and courage. You never fail to amaze me with Your patience, empathy and love for me in my hardest times. Help me to be able to connect the promise of Your word with the problems in my life, so that I can begin to entrust and commit my heart to You. May You give me the ability to love You as You deserve and put my hope in You depending on Your strength and courage in my life. In Jesus name, Amen! Pastor Rob