Passage: Psalm 31
The Big Idea
Jesus prayed verse 5 from the cross: “Into Your hands I commit My spirit” (Luke 23:46). Psalm 31 is the prayer of someone surrounded, forgotten and slandered, who chooses to hide in God rather than fight. My times are in Your hand. It ends with a call to every believer: be of good courage, and He will strengthen your heart.
Reflections
In You, O Lord, I put my trust (v. 1). Faith is how we access grace. I’ll hang my faith on You like a coat on a hook. The fear is being let down, but You ask me to trust, and You will deliver me, because You’re righteous. Even though I’m not, You make me right by grace.
Bow down Your ear to me (v. 2). You stoop to me. You’re high and I’m low. Humility wants an answer quickly. I’m slipping, the storm is beating on me, and I can’t fight my own battles. Be my rock of refuge.
For Your name’s sake, lead me and guide me (vv. 3-4). Your character is all I need. I hide in You. It’s Your nature to lead me, because You love me. I want to be led by Your love. I can’t pull myself out of anything. Teach me to stop trying, and to rely on You for strength to endure, love and be patient in the trial.
Into Your hand I commit my spirit (v. 5). Jesus spoke these words. They’re the gospel and they’re surrender: the perfect mix of humility and faith, with no thought of self-preservation or self-will. I’ve been bought with a price; You own me and direct me. So much of the battle is surrendering to Your will. Will I do whatever You ask?
I have hated those who regard useless idols (v. 6). I can’t be close to idol worship. Help me minister to those trapped in it, and show what it looks like to trust the Lord with all my heart.
I will be glad in Your mercy (vv. 7-8). You’re the source of my joy. You see my trouble; You know my soul in adversity. I love that! You’re right there in my trial. I’ll praise You for every victory and wait for You in every trial.
My life is spent with grief (vv. 9-13). Even when emotions run high, my heart will wait for You. My body won’t lead my spirit. Though our outward man is perishing, the inward man is renewed day by day (2 Corinthians 4:16). My troubles are so overwhelming that people avoid me. They forget me like a broken vessel. Many plot against me. Who really knows me but You?
But as for me, I trust in You (vv. 14-15). I won’t fight them or defend myself. I’ll trust You and wait. You see everything, You do right, and You love me. I’m accepted. I’m Your beloved. My times are in Your hand. If You want me to live, I’ll live. If You want me home, I’ll run home. It’s all about You.
Make Your face shine upon Your servant (vv. 16-18). I’m seeking relationship with You through these trials. I want to be the object of Your mercy. I’ve humbled myself in faith, trusting I’ll see Your life and blessing. And I pray for those caught in pride, that You’d break its hold and bring them life.
Oh, how great is Your goodness (v. 19). I can’t wait to see more of it. Your grace pours out without limit on all who humble themselves and trust You.
You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence (v. 20). Your presence is the goal. There I’m hidden, safe and at peace.
He has shown me His marvelous kindness (vv. 21-22). You’ve done great things! Even when I said in haste, “I’m cut off,” You heard my cry. I should never give up. Your presence can’t fail.
Be of good courage (vv. 23-24). All His saints should love Him and stay humble. His sustaining life will be with us, whatever happens. Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.
Grace Takeaway
Whatever’s happening around you, your times are in His hand. Commit your spirit to Him as Jesus did, hide in His presence, and let Him strengthen your heart.
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