PSALM 31

REFLECT: Choices matter, in the physical and in the spiritual realms.  What is the intentional choice that the psalmist has made? Verses 1-8 describe four actions the psalmist has taken; list the blessings from God that flow in this expectant prayer. What do you think the “wonders of God’s love” refers to in verse 21?

RESPOND: The prophet Haggai urged his people to, “give careful thought to your ways” (Haggai 1:5) as they were influenced by the cynicism and self-focus of those around them. How have you allowed circumstances or people to distance you from God?

“Be strong…and do the work. For I am with you,” declares the Lord. (Haggai 2:4) Would the psalmist agree with Haggai? Commit today to put God first in your life and ask for his presence to strengthen you and give you joy as he reveals to you the wonders of his love.

¹ In you, 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 Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge.
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.

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.

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.

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.