Psalm 31:1-5, 19-24 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 31:1-5, 19-24 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1In you, O Lord, I seek refuge; do not let me ever be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me.
Verse 2Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily. Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me.
Verse 3You are indeed my rock and my fortress; for your name's sake lead me and guide me,
Verse 4take me out of the net that is hidden for me, for you are my refuge.
Verse 5Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.
Verse 19O how abundant is your goodness that you have laid up for those who fear you, and accomplished for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of everyone!
Verse 20In the shelter of your presence you hide them from human plots; you hold them safe under your shelter from contentious tongues.
Verse 21Blessed be the Lord, for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me when I was beset as a city under siege.
Verse 22I had said in my alarm, "I am driven far from your sight." But you heard my supplications when I cried out to you for help.
Verse 23Love the Lord, all you his saints. The Lord preserves the faithful, but abundantly repays the one who acts haughtily.
Verse 24Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord.
Devotion
The Psalms often express feelings that we have at times in our life. These verses in Psalm 31 do no less. Have you ever thought or said, “Hear me Lord. I’m going though a difficult time in my life.” During those times we are often looking for some solid ground of certainty.
The writer of Psalm 31 found the Lord as a “rock” and a “fortress.” How can that be? How could he find certainty in someone he could neither see nor touch? He came to the conclusion that the one who gave him life and who has sustained him through the years will not abandon him in the future. Because the Lord had repeatedly helped him in the past, the psalmist could declare to his generation and assure even us: “Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord.”
Prayer
Lord, we count on you to be a listening God. Please do not forsake us when we go through difficult and lonely days. Send your Spirit to assure us that you are a dependable refuge for us. Amen.