God A Rock (Psalm 31)

Who is the true rock of our faith? Let’s look at Psalm 31.

In whom do we take refuge, like on a rock high above danger below?

In you, O Lord, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me! Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily! Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me! (Ps 31:1-2 ESV)

Who is our rock and fortress, where we find true safety from the net that traps us?

For You are my rock and my fortress; You lead and guide me because of Your name. You will free me from the net that is secretly set for me, for You are my refuge. Into Your hand I entrust my spirit; You redeem me, Lord, God of truth. (Ps 31:3-5 HCSB)

Have we been deceived into worshiping anything other than God, like statues, materialism, nationalism or our own opinions?

I despise those who trust vain idols; but I have trusted in the Lord. I will rejoice and be glad in your gracious love, for you see my affliction and take note that my soul is distressed. You have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy, but you have set my feet in a sturdy place. (Ps 31:6-8 ISV)

Do we all fall into iniquity and as a result, our strength fails? Who can give us mercy?

Have mercy upon me, O Lord, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly. For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing: my strength faileth because of mine iniquity, and my bones are consumed. (Ps 31:9-10 KJV)

Does sin ultimately damage our reputation? Whether deserved or not, do we get enemies?

Among all my adversaries, I have become a reproach, Especially to my neighbors, And an object of dread to my acquaintances; Those who see me in the street flee from me. I am forgotten like a dead man—out of mind—I am like a broken vessel. For I have heard the bad report of many, Terror is on every side; While they took counsel together against me, They schemed to take my life. (Ps 31:11-13 LSB)

In whose hand do we place our lives to protect us from persecution and lies?

But as for me, I trust in You, Lord, I say, “You are my God.” My times are in Your hand; Rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from those who persecute me. Make Your face shine upon Your servant; Save me in Your faithfulness. Let me not be put to shame, Lord, for I call upon You; Let the wicked be put to shame, let them be silent in Sheol. Let the lying lips be speechless, Which speak arrogantly against the righteous With pride and contempt. (Ps 31:14-18 NASB)

How good and wonderful are the blessings that God has stored up for those who shelter for safety in Him?

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. In the shelter of your presence you hide them from all human intrigues; you keep them safe in your dwelling from accusing tongues. (Ps 31:19-20 NIV)

When we feel cut off from all help, who can intervene and save us?

Blessed be the Lord, For He has shown me His marvelous kindness in a strong city! For I said in my haste, “I am cut off from before Your eyes”; Nevertheless You heard the voice of my supplications When I cried out to You. (Ps 31:21-22 NKJV)

In whom do we put our hope? Who does the Lord protect and who does He punish?

Love the Lord, all you godly ones! For the Lord protects those who are loyal to him, but he harshly punishes the arrogant. So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord! (Ps 31:23-24 NLT)

What did Jesus say about those who both hear and do what He taught?

Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock. (Mat 7:24 WEB)

Who is the true rock of our faith? You decide!