Psalms 31: You are my God, alone

Psalms 31:1-24: 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! For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name’s sake you lead me and guide me; you take me out of the net they have hidden for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God. I hate those who pay regard to worthless idols, but I trust in the LORD. I will rejoice and be glad in your steadfast love, because you have seen my affliction; you have known the distress of my soul, and you have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy; you have set my feet in a broad place. Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eye is wasted from grief; my soul and my body also. For my life is spent with sorrow, and my years with sighing; my strength fails because of my iniquity, and my bones waste away. Because of all my adversaries I have become a reproach, especially to my neighbors, and an object of dread to my acquaintances; those who see me in the street flee from me. I have been forgotten like one who is dead; I have become like a broken vessel. 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.” 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! O LORD, let me not be put to shame, for I call upon you; let the wicked be put to shame; let them go silently to Sheol. Let the lying lips be mute, which speak insolently against the righteous in pride and contempt. 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! In the cover of your presence you hide them from the plots of men; you store them in your shelter from the strife of tongues. Blessed be the LORD, for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me when I was in a besieged city. 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. 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! (ESV: English Standard Version Revision 2016)

Introduction: God is always with us. He is our one and only God.

The Psalms are largely filled with laments. However, Psalms 31 resonated with me for three reasons. First, Yahweh's protection from our adversaries. Second, the urgency of Yahweh to rescue us. Third, God is our stronghold. When we encounter various trials, we always call out to Yahweh for deliverance. Fourth, the power of prayer helps us feel that God is truly our God. Our God is indeed great.

For example, David cried out, "Because of all my adversaries, I have become a reproach, especially to my neighbors, and an object of dread to my acquaintances; those who see me in the street flee from me." In this article, we will explore the key elements of how God is always with us. God is truly my God. I will continually sing, "You are my God." Let's delve into the key elements of how God is truly our God.

I. Yahweh Elohim's Protection Against Our Adversaries

God offers us a shield of protection against our enemies, ensuring we are not left to their schemes or malice. This divine protection brings a deep sense of peace and joy, allowing us to rejoice in the Lord, the magnificent creator of heaven and earth. The psalmist David poignantly expresses this assurance in his writings, especially in Psalms 31:8, where he states, "And you have not given me over into the hand of the enemy; you have set my feet in a large place." This verse highlights God's unwavering commitment to our well-being, showing that He will never surrender us to those who wish to harm us. Instead, He places us in a spacious and secure environment, free from the constraints and dangers posed by adversaries.

2. The Urgency of Yahweh Elohim's Rescue

In times of adversity, there are moments when the need for God's intervention feels urgent. In verse 2 of the same psalm, David makes a heartfelt plea for swift rescue, highlighting a common human desire during difficult times: the longing for immediate relief from our troubles. When we are engulfed in life's storms—whether through personal struggles, relational conflicts, or external pressures—we often yearn for God to act quickly on our behalf. However, it is important to remember that our understanding of time and God's timing can differ greatly. While we may want rapid solutions, God, in His infinite wisdom, knows the perfect timing for our deliverance.

3. God is Our Ever-Present Stronghold

Amid life's challenges, we are reminded that God is our rock of strength and a stronghold that saves us, as stated in Psalms 31:2. This metaphor of God as a rock signifies stability, reliability, and an unshakeable foundation on which we can build our lives. When the world around us feels chaotic and unstable, we can find solace in the fact that God is a steadfast refuge. He is not a distant deity; rather, He is intimately involved in our lives, offering support and comfort when we need it most. The psalmist reassures us that God is a very present help in times of deep trouble, emphasizing His accessibility and readiness to assist us in our moments of need.

4. The Power of Prayer to draw near to God.

Prayer is a recurring theme throughout Psalms 30-32, illustrating its vital role in our relationship with God. Through prayer, we communicate our fears, hopes, and desires, affirming our trust in God's plan for our lives. David's declaration in verse 14, "But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, 'You are my God,'" encapsulates the essence of faith and reliance on the divine. This trust is not a passive state but an active choice to believe in God's goodness and sovereignty, even when circumstances seem bleak. By consistently turning to God in prayer, we reinforce our connection with Him and acknowledge His authority over our lives.

Conclusion: Trusting in God's Faithfulness

Ultimately, we can always place our trust in God, knowing that He is our protector and guide. In times of trouble, when our burdens feel heavy, we must remind ourselves of the truth found in scripture: that God is with us, listening to our prayers and responding in His perfect timing. Just as David found assurance in his relationship with God, we too can cultivate a deep sense of trust, recognizing that He is not only our God but also our refuge, strength, and unwavering source of hope. In every season of life, we can rejoice in the knowledge that God is ever-present, faithful, and committed to our well-being.