A SURE DEFENCE IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY.
Psalm 31:1-5, Psalm 31:15-16.
I). Psalm 31:1-5.
PSALM 31:1. This Psalm begins with the LORD, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is a Psalm of trust, a Psalm of faith. We need not wallow in our distress when we have the LORD upon our side.
We must never be ashamed to call the LORD, ‘Our Father.’ When we make our prayers to the Father in the name of His beloved and only-begotten Son, (and in keeping with His will and purpose in our lives, petitioning for needs, not greed) then we will find the Father disposed to answer us favourably.
And our appeal is not based in our own righteousness (as if we could ever be worthy in and of ourselves to make our approach to God) but in ‘the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ’ (cf. Romans 3:22). It is, “in YOUR righteousness deliver me.” Or, for Christians, “His” (i.e. Jesus’) righteousness.
PSALM 31:2. The LORD has already bowed His ear to our low estate through the incarnation. Whatever our trouble now, we may pray confidently, knowing that when He delivers it will be at the exact right time.
We seek our refuge in the LORD Himself. When we feel weak and helpless, we depend upon His strength and protection. He is the strong foundation for our faith. When we abide in Him we are in a secure and eternal safe room. Our salvation is sure and will not fail.
PSALM 31:3. The Psalmist might ask the LORD to be ‘a strong rock and a house of defence’ (as in Psalm 31:2), because that is the relationship which he already has with the LORD. Hitherto, and in such a way, has the LORD been wont to help us: “Thou art my Rock and my fortress.”
The appeal is not to our faith, as if it was enough to trust in our own ability to trust; but objectively, “for thy name’s sake.” This is not just adding ‘in Jesus’ name’ to random prayers, but specifically applying to the name and the glory of God. We pray to the Father through Jesus the Son, but so praying we submit to His will, and seek the glory of His name.
“Lead me” as a soldier, “guide me” as a pilgrim. “Lead me” by your Providence, “guide me” by your Word.
PSALM 31:4. The Psalmist was in a trap. Boxed in. Depressed.
We have all been there. I have been stuck down a pot-hole. Somebody else knows what it is like to feel all alone, abandoned. Others are slandered.
With this verse we see the desperation of the Psalmist. But his faith in the LORD stands firm: “for thou art my strength.” His strength does not come from his faith, but from the object of His faith, even the LORD to whom he has been making his appeal.
PSALM 31:5. David is confident that the LORD will deliver him out of this difficulty. So he commits his life into the hand of the LORD.
Jesus took the same words upon His lips in the moment of death (cf. Luke 23:46).
Similarly Stephen, the first Christian martyr, ‘called upon God, saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit’ (cf. Acts 7:59).
So whether in life, or in death, we commit our spirits unto the LORD, in the sure knowledge of Christ’s redemption.
II). Psalm 31:15-16.
PSALM 31:15. “My times are in your hand.” What a blessed reassurance this is! Whatsoever comes to pass, we know that deliverance will come, whatever form it may take. ‘For me to live is Christ, to die is gain’ (cf. Philippians 1:21).
PSALM 31:16. In this trust, in this faith, we can call down upon ourselves the Aaronic blessing, no matter what befalls us (cf. Numbers 6:24-26). The Lord Jesus has been there before us. In His grace, in His mercy, in His covenant love, the LORD will not fail to respond.
