Psalm 31 – The Shelter of His Presence
(Written by Dr. Gregory H. Denysschen)
“In you, O Lord, I have taken refuge” David exclaimed when he was hunted by Saul, the King. It serves as an inspiration for all of us when it seems that everything is closing in on us, threatening our well-being. An inspiration because David’s position was obviously made secure – he survived the onslaught!
David regarded the Lord as his Rock (shielding him from attack), a fortress which protected him on all sides. Being in dire straits, “…you saw my affliction” and in deep anguish of soul he cried out to the Lord, “Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am in distress.” He goes on to describe the anguish he experiences and the scorn he received at the hands of men.
Through this Psalm David wants to share with us that in our time of need, with the enemy seemingly closing in on us, we can turn to the Lord God who will hide us “in the shelter of His presence.” He dwells on the goodness of God which is bestowed on those who take refuge in the Lord. He hides them from the intrigues of men in the shelter of His presence.
Erupting in praise he sings, “Praise be to the Lord for He showed His wonderful love to me” and he encourages the faithful to “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord”
Let’s Read Psalm 31
For the director of music. A psalm of David.
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.
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.
14 But I trust in you, Lord;
I say, “You are my 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.
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.
Let’s Pray
Holy, Triune Father, Son and Holy Spirit, You are our refuge and our strength – the Rock on which we are established. You leave us not when we are besieged or pursued by our enemies. You are our God – our times are in Your hands and You deliver us for all our trials and tribulations. We praise You, in Jesus Name, Amen
About the Heavenly Devotion channel
The Heavenly Devotion channel is dedicated to encouraging you to listen to Bible Scriptures and pray with the Scriptures. They are inspired by the call of service as expressed and exemplified by Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 9:12-15.
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrew 4:12 NKJV)
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