Psalm 31
“Adversity does not make us frail,
it only shows how frail we are.”
Anonymous
2 Cor. 12:10 “Therefore I take pleasures in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak then am I strong.”
What can the world do to a man who rests securely in the power, love and tenderness of the Most High God?
We can only be strong when we know our weaknesses.
Every weakness we have is an opportunity to trust in God’s strength.
Phil. 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me –
David is alone and forsaken, most probably during the time of Absalom’s rebellion.
David is honest with God. In reaching out to God his sadness or loneliness is turned to assurance that God is with him.
This is a Psalm that is sung in worship.
Vs. 1-6 is David’s cry for help!
David speaks in confidence and in relationship.
Vs. 1 – It is to You oh Lord that I come (I don’t trust myself)
His plea – Don’t let me be put to shame!
The foundation of his trust –
You always do what is right – You are Righteous.
Vs. 2 A plea for action:
· Listen to me
· Rescue me
· Hide me
· Surround me
Vs. 3 A statement of faith:
· You are my Rock – My sure foundation.
· You are my fortress – My impenetrable wall around me.
· You are my Righteousness
Ps. 23
Lead me beside still water
Lead me to green pastures
Lead me in the paths of Righteousness for Your name sake.
Vs. 4 Pull - You are holding my hand –
Lift me out of this trap.
Vs.5a I entrust my spirit into Your hand –
At point of death:
1) Jesus-“Father into Thy hands, I commit My Spirit” Luke 23:66
2) Stephen-Acts 7:59
3) John Hush-burned at the stake
4) Polycarp
5) Believers
Vs. 5b I trust You
Rescue me – Redeem me in Power
You are faithful!
Vs. 6 My focus is on You and not on idols.
I hate those who follow after idols.
Vs. 7-8 My passion is for You Lord. I trust You so much that I am overcome with joy. When I heed You, You have always been for me, a safe place.
Vs. 9-13 David is asking for Mercy
I got myself in this, would You please get mo out? I can’t live this way.
David’s pain comes from something he has done – i.e. if it is in the time of Absalom it is from his sin with Bathsheba. (he was forgiven, but sin has its ramifications)
· My sight is blurred – he’s been crying
· My body and soul are wasting away (result of lack of sleep; fatigue)
· I’m dying from grief – I can’t live like this.
· Being this miserable zaps my energy.
· I’m wasting away physically, emotionally and spiritually.
· Everyone has turned their back on me
· I am lonely, ignored
· I am worthless, a broken pot
· I am inferior, I don’t know who else to turn to.
Reality or perception?
Vs. 14 but You Lord, I am trusting in You.
Vs. 15-17 My times/future is in Your hands. (I surrender all of this mess to You)
Oh Rescue me
· Shine down Your love on me
· Don’t let me be disgraced because of my actions/because of their actions against me.
This I know, when I cry out to You I will get help. God You are with me.
Vs. 18 Silence those who speak wrongly against me.
vv. 19-20 Praise return – As David waits for god his heart wells up with praise,
God is
· Good
· Great
· My shelter
· In Him I can hide
· Abundant in love
Vs. 22 The occasional panic.
In sudden fear – What if?
But God You
· Heard my cry for mercy
· Answered my call for help
Then:
David turns to those worshiping with him as they sing.
All you saints, the faithful ones,
· Love the Lord, He will protect you if you are faithful.
But
He will punish the arrogant.
So! Be Strong, take courage.
All you who put your hope in the Lord!
He is faithful.
Hope = to wait, tarry (Hebrew)
a feeling of expectation (Dictionary)
and a desire for a certain thing to happen
Where is my hope?
– God’s plan – never disappoints
-- My plan – can be disappointing
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