Closer Day 21 – Psalm 31:19-24

Read: Psalm 31:19-24

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! 20 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. 21 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!

Reflect

As we near the end of the 31st psalm, we can see a vital pattern that exists in the entire book of Psalms, a pattern of praise. Yesterday we saw David dealing with oppression and rejection from all the people surrounding him. He lamented that many people despised him and even wanted to take his life, but David did not despair. He worshipped. We should follow David’s example. It can be easy to focus on the difficult seasons and situations that arise in our lives and fail to recognize the God who was faithful to bring us through. David cries out to God, saying, “Blessed be the Lord, for He has wondrously shown His steadfast love for me.” This is not just true of David, but it is true for all of us. Whether God changed your circumstance in times of suffering or helped you through, the truth is He never left. And He never will. So, like David, even in times of suffering and pain, our God promises to “not leave you or forsake you” so that we never have to “fear or be dismayed.” No matter what you might be facing today: a strained relationship, challenging job, struggles in marriage, financial hardship, a diagnosis, or even facing death, be encouraged by the reality that we have a steadfast God who will never leave us. The hope that gives us should drive us to respond like David, to worship God as King.

Prayer

God, I thank you that you will never leave us regardless of what we face in our lives. Help me not to give into anxiety, fear, and doubt but help me find courage in your presence and your love. Help my life be an act of worship in response to what you have done. In the middle of my trials and suffering, remind me that you are in control and deserve all my honor and praise.