Psalm 31

SLIDE 1 Turn to Psalm 31. This psalm is going to sound very similar to some other psalms David has written. David is once again pouring out soul to God as he pleads for help. As I’ve noted before, David had many opportunities to need God’s help. In addition to his many battles when he was king, he fought in King Saul’s army before running from Saul for almost fifteen years. Then, there was the run in he had with his son Absalom. We don’t know what specific instance David had in mind when he wrote Psalm 31, The superscription merely says:

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

As we know is David needed God. Charles Spurgeon made an interesting observation when he noted that because of the psalm’s dedication to the chief musician, the psalm was intended for public singing. Keep that in mind as we go through the psalm. , and thus a deathblow is given to the notion that nothing but praise should be sung.” We have no definite marking place in David’s life for this psalm because he was so often in trouble. It resonates with deep and personal trust in God in the depths of difficulty.

Another interesting aspect of the psalm is that it is often in other scripture passages. SLIDE 2

The author of Psalm 71 (possibly David himself) quotes the first three verses to start Psalm 71

Jonah seems to quote Psalm 31:6 in his prayer from the belly of the great fish – Jonah 2:8

The prophet Jeremiah quoted Psalm 31:13 six times (five times in the Book of Jeremiah and once in Lamentations: Jeremiah 6:25; 20:3; 20:10; 46:5; 49:29, and Lamentations 2:22

Paul quoted Psalm 31:24 in 1 Corinthians 16:13

Most significantly, Psalm 31:5 was quoted by Jesus Christ on the cross as his final words before yielding His life (Luke 23:46)

Stephen, the first martyr of the church, also alluded to Psalm 31:5 in Acts 7:59

As we read this psalm, note how many times David declares his trust in God.

SLIDE 3 The psalm begins with David’s plea for rescue and his confidence in God’s answer.

1 In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. (Psalm 31:1)

David starts the psalm as he started others with a declaration of trust in God. Even in whatever difficulty he’s facing, he’s going to trust in God.

You’re probably familiar with the story of the man who found himself hanging on to a branch on the side of a cliff. Jack was walking along a steep cliff one day when he accidentally got too close to the edge and fell. On the way down he grabbed a branch, which temporarily stopped his fall. He looked down and to his horror saw that the canyon fell straight down for more than a thousand feet. He couldn’t hang onto the branch forever, and there was no way for him to climb up the steep wall of the cliff so Jack began yelling for help, hoping that someone passing by would hear him and lower a rope or something. “HELP! HELP! Is anyone up there? HELP!”

Jack was about to give up when he heard a voice. “Jack, Jack. Can you hear me?” “Yes, yes! I can hear you. I’m down here!” “I can see you, Jack. Are you all right?” “Yes, but . . . Who are you, and where are you?” “I am the Lord, Jack. I’m everywhere.” “The Lord? You mean, GOD?” “That’s Me.”

“God, please help me! I promise if you’ll get me down from here, I’ll stop sinning. I’ll be a really good person. I’ll serve you for the rest of my life.” “Easy on the promises, Jack. Let’s just get you down from there; then we can talk. Now, here’s what I want you to do. Listen carefully.” “I’ll do anything, Lord. Just tell me what to do.” “Okay. Let go of the branch.” “What?” “I said, let go of the branch. Just trust Me. Let go.”

There was a long silence. Finally Jack yelled, “Help! Help! Is anyone else up there?”

Have you ever felt like Jack? We say we trust God, but then we face some difficulty and we are forced to put our words into action. Sometimes, trusting God can sound crazy and way too scary. When God says, “Let go and trust me,” are we willing to trust, or do we start looking elsewhere for help? David trusts in God because God has proven himself by delivering his people in the past.

David asks that God deliver him in his righteousness – that is, in God’s righteousness. Early in the 16th Century, a German monk and seminary professor named Martin Luther taught through Psalms, verse-by-verse. The phrase confused him; how could God’s righteousness deliver him? Luther could only see how God’s righteousness could condemn him as a righteous punishment for his sins.

One night as Luther thought about this passage in Psalms he also read Romans 1:17. SLIDE 4

For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed – a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

Luther said he thought about this day and night, until he finally understood what the righteousness of God revealed by the gospel is. He had only seen God’s righteousness as that which condemns sinners, but once he realized the verse was talking about what God gives to those who put their faith in Jesus it completely changed him. Luther calls that the happiest day in his life. Because God is righteous – he always does what is right – he saves those who trust in him. SLIDE 5

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 Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. (Psalm 31:2-4)

The King James Version translates verse 2 as “Bow down thine ear to me.” Can you picture God bowing down to anyone? David isn’t asking God to bow down on his knees, but he is asking God to do something special. David asks God to put his ear to David’s lips that he might hear David’s feeble call for help.

You’ve probably stood beside the bed of someone who because they were sick and frail couldn’t talk very loud. You had to bend over closer to hear and understand what they were trying to say. David knew his enemies were trying to trap him, so he pleads for God’s special attention.

5 Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God. 6 I hate those who cling to worthless idols; as for me, 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 given me into the hands of the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place. (Psalm 31:5-8)

Here is the verse I mentioned earlier that was quoted by Jesus from the cross. Jesus wasn’t resigning himself to death. “Well, I guess there’s nothing else that can be done.” No, Jesus was expressing his complete and total trust in God. He knew that God would bring deliverance. Stephen picked up on this when he said as he was dying: SLIDE 6

Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. (Acts 7:59)

Many other martyrs used this quote as their last statements of faith as well. When John Huss was condemned to be burned at the stake, the bishop who conducted the ceremony ended with the chilling words, “And now we commit thy soul to the devil.” But Huss replied calmly, “I commit my spirit into thy hands, Lord Jesus Christ; unto thee I commend my spirit, which thou hast redeemed.”

David is completely trusting in God to deliver him. No matter what he faced, David knew he could trust God.

SLIDE 7 In the next section, David describes the depth of his trouble and repeats his absolute trust in God.

9 Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and 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 and an object of dread to my closest friends – those who see me on the street flee from me. 12 I am forgotten as though I were dead; I have become like broken pottery. 13 For I hear many whispering, “Terror on every side!” They conspire against me and plot to take my life. (Psalm 31:9-13)

David already talked about his enemies laying a trap for him, now he talks about the toll is taking on him.

He is worn out physically: he talks about his strength failing and his bones wasting away. David isn’t physically sick but his anguish is affecting his physical strength.

He is worn out emotionally: his vision is blurred because of his tears.

He is worn out socially: he feels like everyone is against him – he’s despised by his neighbors and his friends are afraid to come near him.

And he’s worn out spiritually: The NIV attributes his lack of strength to his affliction in verse 10, but the Hebrew refers to his iniquity. He’s aware of his sin and wonders how much of his trouble is caused by his own failings.

David was worn out, but still he trusted in God to deliver him.

14 But I trust in you, Lord; I say, “You are my God.” (Psalm 31:14)

Massena, one of Napoleon’s generals, suddenly appeared with eighteen thousand men before an Austrian town which had no means of defense. The town council had nearly decided to surrender when the old dean of the church reminded them that it was Easter and begged them to hold services as usual and to leave the trouble in God’s hands. Following the man’s suggestion they began ringing the church bells. The French, hearing the church bells ringing joyfully, concluded that an Austrian army had come to the town’s rescue and they quickly retreated. Before the bells stopped ringing, all the Frenchmen had vanished.

Trust in God. Even in the face of difficulties David trusted God.

15 My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, 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, Lord, for I have cried out to you; but let the wicked be put to shame and be silent in the realm of the dead. 18 Let their lying lips be silenced, for with pride and contempt they speak arrogantly against the righteous. (Psalm 31:15-18)

G. Campbell Morgan saw in the words “my times” and in the entire psalm an allusion to the seasons of Christian experience, comparing them to the seasons of the year.

He saw verses 1-8 describing the fall: With its winds and gathering clouds, yet having sunlight and a golden fruitage even though the breath of death is everywhere.

Verses 9-13 are winter: Chill and lifeless, full of sobs and sighing.

He found spring in verses 14-18: With its hope and expectation and its sweeping rains and bursting sun gleams.

And finally summer in verses 19-24): At last the bright and golden summer.

I think that’s an interesting understanding of the psalm. Of course the down side is at the end of every summer there’s another fall and it all starts over again. But still we can trust in God. As Spurgeon wrote:

If we believe that all our times are in God’s hand, we shall be expecting great things from our heavenly Father. When we get into a difficulty we shall say, “I am now going to see the wonders of God, and to learn again how surely he delivers them that trust in him.”

John Chrysostom is recognized as one of the most gifted speakers in church history. His nickname, Chrysostom, comes from a Greek word meaning “golden tongued.” John preached fearlessly in the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire. His denunciation of the lavish extravagance of the rich and ruling class and his condemnation of excess infuriated many, including Empress Eudoxia who arranged for him to be exiled.

When he was told of his fate, Chrysostom responded:

What can I fear? Will it be death? But you know that Christ is my life, and that I shall gain by death. Will it be exile? But the earth and all its fullness is the Lord’s. Will it be the loss of wealth? But we brought nothing into the world, and can carry nothing out. Thus all the terrors of the world are contemptible in my eyes, and I smile at all its good things. Poverty I do not fear. Riches I do not sigh for. Death I do not shrink from.

He knew whatever happened that God was still in control and would provide for him. That’s what David was saying when he wrote about outing his future in God’s hands. He trusted his future as well as the future of those who lied about him with God. God would see to it that the right thing was done.

SLIDE 8 The psalm ends with David’s praise which is both personal and public.

19 How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you. 20 In the shelter of your presence you hide them from all human intrigues; you keep them safe in your dwelling from accusing tongues. (Psalm 31:19-20)

David understood how God stores up goodness for those who fear him and trust him. They find that goodness in God’s presence. They find God’s blessings when they draw near to him.

21 Praise be to the Lord, for he showed me the wonders of his love when I was in a city under siege. 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. (Psalm 31:21-22)

God is able to help those who trust in him.

You may recognize the name Ira Sankey. If not, you may recognize the titles of some hymns he wrote:

A Shelter in the Time of Storm

Under His Wings

Faith Is the Victory

For years, Ira Sankey led the music for D.L. Moody’s evangelistic meetings. Sankey was traveling by steamboat on Christmas Eve in 1875. When he was recognized by some of the passengers they asked him to sing. Sankey agreed, and began singing “Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us.” When the song was done, one of the listeners stepped forward and asked, “Did you serve in the Union Army?” “Yes,” Mr. Sankey answered. “Can you remember if you were doing picket duty on a bright, moonlit night in 1862?” “Yes,” Mr. Sankey said again.

“I was serving in the Confederate army. When I saw you standing at your post, I raised my gun and took aim. I was standing in the shadow, completely concealed, while the full light of the moon was falling upon you. At that instant, you raised your eyes to Heaven and began to sing that same song. ‘Let him sing his song to the end,’ I said to myself, ‘I can shoot him afterwards.’ I heard the words perfectly: ‘We are Thine; do Thou befriend us. Be the Guardian of our way.’ I began to think of my childhood and my God-fearing mother who sang that song to me. When you finished, it was impossible for me to take aim again. I thought, ‘The Lord who is able to save that man from certain death must surely be great and mighty.’”

God is able to provide and protect even when we don’t realize it.

David ends with this call for God’s people to praise him.

23 Love the Lord, all his faithful people! The Lord preserves those who are true to him, but the proud he pays back in full. 24 Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord. (Psalm 31:23-24)

David couldn’t keep his experience with God to himself. He had to tell others and encourage them to trust God as well. We have good reasons to trust God.

Before we started I encouraged you to count how many times David referenced his trust in God. I don’t know if you counted, but there are at least fifteen. Here are some of the more obvious ones: SLIDE 9

In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; (1)

I trust in the Lord (6)

But I trust in you, Lord (14)

My times are in your hand (15)

I have cried out to you (17)

The reason I bring this out is because it is important that we state our trust in God. It’s important that we tell God that we trust him, but it’s important that we tell others as well. It honors God and can help build their faith in him too.

SLDIE 10 Charles Spurgeon told this story of his grandfather James and his faith in God. Spurgeon said of his grandfather:

He had a large family and a very small income, but he loved his Lord, and he would not have given up his preaching of the gospel for anything.

One day the cow on which the family relied for milk for the children suddenly died. James Spurgeon’s wife was greatly concerned, but he said, “God said he would provide, and I believe he could send us fifty cows if he pleased.”

On that same day, a group met in London – a group James Spurgeon did not know –that wanted to help meet the needs of poor preachers. They raised a large sum of money, and began sending it to different preachers in need to help their families. When they reached the end of the list, there were still five pounds left. One man suggested sending it to James Spurgeon. Another said, “No, let’s not send just five pounds. Let me add five more to go with it.” Others joined in, and the day after his cow died, James Spurgeon received twenty pounds in the mail!

You can trust God to keep His promises and provide for your needs.

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)