Bible Reflections for 7/9/08 — Reflections on Psalm 31

Psalm 31:23-24 —

Oh, love the LORD, all you His saints! For the LORD preserves the faithful, and fully repays the proud person. Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the LORD.

The psalms of David are so refreshing and uplifting that anyone would be hard pressed to choose a favorite. But this one would definitely be on my short list. Here David begins his prayer to God with a plea for deliverance, protection, guidance and mercy. David acknowledges that he is in deep trouble and laments how that his life is spent with grief, and his years with sighing. He confesses that his strength was failing because of his own iniquity.

And yet, from this pit of agony David rises up to attest that his times were in the hand of God who would yet make His face to shine upon him in favor. David sings aloud to the LORD, "Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You!" He concludes with this encouraging promise to others that was born of his own experience: "Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the LORD." David's hope for God's favor and his assurance of God's intervention in the present and His blessing throughout the future was boundless. You can perceive God's strength coming into his soul in the course of the recital of these words that are more than words. May that same very real strength come to each of us today with the bright smile of God's favor.

Best wishes, GH

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