Psalm 31 Continued…
Psalm 31:21-24 Praise be to the Lord, for he showed his wonderful love to me when I was in a besieged city. 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. Love the Lord, all his saints! The Lord preserves the faithful, but the proud he pays back in full. Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.
This Psalm is a series of laments from David that are surrounded by statements of trust. When we are experiencing personal suffering or social alienation we have to surround ourselves with trust in the God who is absolutely trustworthy. David reinforced this this fact by committing his life into God’s hands (Psalm 31:5) and the events of his life into His hands as well (Psalm 31:15).
In our world lying has often replaced truthfulness as the norm and our job as followers of the Lord is to live with a spirit of reliance and responsibility to the Lord. First, we need to remember the source of our trust. As David said, “I trust in You…You are my God.” David describes God has his rock and fortress. God is the One he can depend on to “lead and guide” him (Psalm 31:3)…that implies trust.
Second, we need to remember the nature of our source. David knew that God is strong and reliable (Psalm 31:1-3). He was the only option to turn to when all else failed him.
Third, we need to remember that our trust in God as our source won’t fail us. David confessed his trust in God multiple times in Psalm 31. He committed not only his life to God but also the events of his life to him. Trusting in God is worth the cost. The world will only lie and steal from you and leave you barren and destroyed. But David knew that is not what Yahweh does to those who trust in him. He ends his Psalm with the same challenge and admonition that Joshua was given. “Be strong and take heart.” God’s promises endure and the Lord will be with you wherever you go and whatever you face.
The Stratosphere Hotel in Las Vegas boasts an extreme ride called “Insanity.” The ride extends 68 feet over the edge of the 1,149-foot Stratosphere Tower, not only providing a great view of the city but also challenging the faint of heart. The maximum speed is 40 miles per hour, with a 70-degree seat angle, and includes a spin up to 3 G’s.
There are many people who look at this ride and say, “No way would I ride Insanity!” But there are others who would gladly pay the fee and enjoy every moment of the ride. What’s the difference? Unless there is a related health issue, it may have to do with confidence in the designer and those who ensure that the ride is safe (government agencies and the hotel). If we trust the design and maintenance of the ride, then we know there is nothing to fear.
When it comes to life in this world, there will be times when we feel like we are on Insanity, times when life is frightening and we do not feel as if we are in control. It is in these times that we must remember, like David, that we can trust the One who designed and maintains our lives. Our ability to live with joy in these moments is a function of how well we know and trust God.
PRAY
Father when life is a roller coaster and I want it to slow down or stop or I might even want to get off…help me to fully trust in You and your design for my life!