"In you, O LORD, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me! Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily! Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me!"
We need help, and we need strength. We cannot make it on our own. We're incapable of following Christ in the strength of the flesh. We need help in serving God. God is the strength that we need. Let us not be fearful, as if he can fail us. Let us remember his faithfulness at the cross. He's put away all of our sins. He's established us in righteousness. His own righteousness has saved us, and his right hand will deliver us. He's made promises, and he will keep them. Rely on God. Be encouraged, dear saints. Faith is an absolute victory. Nothing can fail us. God's given us his word.
Oh, how reliable is God when trusted! He's 100%.
Delight yourself in the Lord's goodness. Ponder his love. Believe the gospel in difficulty. Rely on him.
Psalm 31:5 — "Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God."
This psalm is talking about the Lord Jesus [Luke 23:46]. The scriptures speak of Christ. He is the Author and the intended purpose [1 Pet 1:10-12]. He is God's message to us.
A person who cannot see Christ does not have the Spirit. He is blind, self righteous, and deceived. He's like the man "not far from the kingdom," who sees laws and commands, but no Savior [Mark 12:34]. He does not see his utter need and inability. He doesn't see Christ crucified to his heart's delight. He's operating on the swine's husk of religion, rather than rejoicing in his Savior. He's spinning his wheels, and getting nowhere fast.
God, help us to see Christ. We rely on you. We're helpless without a vision. We perish without knowledge.
Help us to see, so we can make him known.
Psalm 31:13-14 — "For I hear the whispering of many— terror on every side!— as they scheme together against me, as they plot to take my life. But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.”"
"But I trust in you." This is our refuge, and our strength. Let whatever come against us, the Lord is stronger in battle. Let nations rise up against us. The Lord will put them to flight. He will be faithful to all his promises, and we will not perish. Nothing will stand against us. The victory of God is certain. He will keep us to the end. He will not break his covenant. Faithful is the Lord who keeps you, so rest assured. Satan will be defeated. God's elect will not be scattered. Salvation shall go to the ends of the earth. War will not stop it, and neither will famine. No force will oppose God successfully. Let us rejoice. God's on our side, and we are on his. We are united in purpose.
Psalm 31:19 — "Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind!"
Let your refuge be publicly in Christ. Invite others to see that you trust him, and he will openly defend you. Confess him in public, and he'll confess you openly also. Trust him boldly, and stand. God is not One to be ashamed of. Rely on him as One that is invisible, but nevertheless true. Do not question his faithfulness.
God cannot give us Christ, then fail to keep us. He cannot break his promises to bear good fruit in us. He cannot refuse our prayers. Oh what a confidence we have in God, when all around us is trouble. We are sure and steadfast in the storm. Unbreakable is our confidence in the mighty God. Sure is our hope in Christ, the anchor in the storm. We will not fail to persevere. God's election is glorification, guaranteed!