Read
(A psalm by David for the music leader.)
A Prayer for Protection
1I come to you, Lord,
for protection.
Don't let me be ashamed.
Do as you have promised
and rescue me.
2Listen to my prayer
and hurry to save me.
Be my mighty rock
and the fortress
where I am safe.
3You, Lord God,
are my mighty rock
and my fortress.
Lead me and guide me,
so that your name
will be honored.
4Protect me from hidden traps
and keep me safe.
5 You are faithful,
and I trust you
because you rescued me.
6I hate the worshipers
of worthless idols,
but I trust you, Lord.
7I celebrate and shout
because you are kind.
You saw all my suffering,
and you cared for me.
8You kept me from the hands
of my enemies,
and you set me free.
9Have pity, Lord!
I am hurting and almost blind.
My whole body aches.
10I have known only sorrow
all my life long, and I suffer
year after year.
I am weak from sin,
and my bones are limp.
11My enemies insult me.
Neighbors are even worse,
and I disgust my friends.
People meet me on the street,
and they turn and run.
12I am completely forgotten
like someone dead.
I am merely a broken dish.
13I hear the crowds whisper,
“Everyone is afraid!”
They are plotting and scheming
to murder me.
14But I trust you, Lord,
and I claim you as my God.
15My life is in your hands.
Save me from enemies
who hunt me down.
16Smile on me, your servant.
Have pity and rescue me.
17I pray only to you.
Don't disappoint me.
Disappoint my cruel enemies
until they lie silent
in their graves.
18Silence those proud liars!
Make them stop bragging
and insulting your people.
19You are wonderful,
and while everyone watches,
you store up blessings for all
who honor and trust you.
20You are their shelter
from harmful plots,
and you are their protection
from vicious gossip.
21I will praise you, Lord,
for showing great kindness
when I was like a city
under attack.
22I was terrified and thought,
“They've chased me
far away from you!”
But you answered my prayer
when I shouted for help.
23 All who belong to the Lord,
show how you love him.
The Lord protects the faithful,
but he severely punishes
everyone who is proud.
24All who trust the Lord,
be cheerful and strong.
Reflect
When my children were younger they used to sing this chorus; “Life is made of ups and downs. Some days we smile, some days we frown. But every day we wear a crown – because we’re kids of the King …”
Psalm 31 is about the ups and downs of life – how David moves from anguish to assurance. There are five stanzas of contrasting or complementary thoughts:
- David’s claims and concerns (v.1-4). The opening stanza is set against the backdrop of 1 Samuel 23:1-13 when the people of Keilah were planning to betray David into Saul’s hands. It’s a cry for God to deliver, defend, save, and guide.
- David’s commitment and cheerfulness (v5-8). His concerns morph into prayer. The first part of the prayer (v.5a) is well known – Jewish children recite it before going to bed. The second part of the prayer recognizes how God rescues us (v.5b), loves us (v.7), and delivers us (v.8).
- David’s confession and condition (v.9-13). His cheerfulness is halted by a recognition of his condition. Like a leper, he’s being treated with derision and disgust.
- David’s consecration and contempt (v.14-18). Having been brought to the verge of despair, he flings himself into the arms of God (v.15). There are no half measures with David. It’s all or nothing. As an African Bible translator put verse 15 in his language, “All my life’s why’s and when’s and where’s and wherefore’s are in God’s hands.”
- David’s celebration and courage (v.19-24). Finally, he remembers the goodness of God (v.19), that God guards us (v.20), and that God is great (v.21). In the light of these affirmations he urges us to love and be loyal to the Lord (v.23-24).
All told, along with David, we realize that when we place our confidence in God, even in the bleakest of situations, we will never be disappointed.
Respond
Lord, help me through the ups and downs of life. Help me not to love the world or anything in the world, and to hang onto you no matter what it costs. Thank you that the One who is in me is greater than the one who is in the world. Amen.
Lawson Murray
Lawson is the President of Scripture Union Canada and the Managing Editor of theStory™. Lawson takes every opportunity to enthusiastically invite people of all ages to connect with Jesus and His Story. He says, “We have been given the greatest story ever - God's Story! Should we not, with all our might and energy immerse ourselves in it? I believe we should. For without the Story we really have nothing to offer the millions who hunger and thirst for something more. But, with God’s Story we have what everyone needs!” Publications: Bible Engagement Blog; Children’s Ministry Basics Blog, Bible Engagement Basics; Bible Beginners