“In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me.”
- Psalm 31:1-2 -

In this Psalm, we see the psalmist’s anxiety; fear of his enemies. While there may be physical attacks, it seems that the main form of attack is verbal. Verbal assaults produce physical and psychological reactions and the sense that words will soon be followed by hostile actions. In such a situation, the psalmist seeks God’s help. Not only do we have a God who loves and cares for us so that we can trust him absolutely but he is also one whom we can love in return. Our times are in his hands, and we have the hope that there is still an abundance of good things he has stored up for us.

So the Psalmist ends in verses 23-24: "Love the Lord, all his faithful people! The Lord preserves those who are true to him, but the proud he pays back in full. Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord."

Prayer: Dear Lord, sometimes life seems to make no sense to me. I trust you during such times, assured of being in your good and perfect guiding hand.

(from Encounter with God)