June 15, 2023 -- Psalm 31:1-2; 21-24 -- The Psalm Series: Trust and Thanks

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In you, O LORD, do I take refuge;
    let me never be put to shame;
    in your righteousness deliver me!
2 Incline your ear to me;
    rescue me speedily!
Be a rock of refuge for me,
    a strong fortress to save me!

Blessed be the LORD,
    for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me
    when I was in a besieged city.
22 I had said in my alarm,
    “I am cut off from your sight.”
But you heard the voice of my pleas for mercy
    when I cried to you for help.

23 Love the LORD, all you his saints!
    The LORD preserves the faithful
    but abundantly repays the one who acts in pride.
24 Be strong, and let your heart take courage,
    all you who wait for the LORD!

Psalm 31:1-2; 21-24 ESV

This Psalm has two parts. The first 18 verses are a prayer of trust and the verses 19 to 24 are thanksgiving for prayers that have been answered. When things are good, Christians affirm their confidence in the Living God. One way to affirm our trust in God is through worship—according to the Hebrew superscription Psalm 31 is one that is meant to be sung by the people. So as the people sing this, they are reminded God is all their righteousness. This would be evident as the people knew the blood of lambs was poured out, an offering for their sins. Such offerings were presented and taught the people to expect Jesus, the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). If we do not sing, rehearse, meditate on and pray in trust to the Living God when things are good in our lives, then when the troubles hit we will be exposed, vulnerable and helpless.

I wonder, how often have you prayed for something and urgently wanted it and the Father, the source of every good gift has given it to you but you did not offer thanks to Him? Thanking God is a sign that we are humble. Offering thanks to God means our minds and heart recognize all that we have, anything good we have, is from Him. Thanksgiving teaches us that good times and hard times, fruitful years and lean years, riches and poverty are all tools in His hands in order to shape us for eternity in His presence. This life is not all there is. We are being fitted and prepared for the weight of glory that He has in store for us in eternity. The Holy Spirit fills our thanksgiving with heightened our anticipation for the glory of eternity lived in the presence of the Triune God, in Whom is all our trust and joy.

I trust in You, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in Your hand; rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors. Make Your face shine on Your servant; save me in Your steadfast love! Love the LORD, all you His saints! The LORD preserves the faithful but abundantly repays the one who acts in pride. Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD!

Prayer is Psalm 31:14-16, 23-24 ESV

https://youtu.be/8l8_rmvo6kg "My Redeemer Lives" K & K Getty

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