Psalm 31 -- Asking God For Mercy

David faced a time when everyone was against him, and Christ echoed these words on the cross.  My commentary listed three valuable lessons David learned: 

                When others do evil, trust God for His strength.

                When others cause pain, ask God for mercy.

                When others see victory, give God the glory.

“The emphasis is on trusting (taking refuge) in the Lord, no matter how difficult the circumstances might be … Along with God’s protection, David needed God’s direction so he would avoid the traps the enemy had set for him.”

Because he was having to endure such a huge assortment of attacks, David asked for the mercy he desperately needed – asking God to give him ease from his depression caused by these attacks.  “He had committed himself into God’s hands, and now he committed his circumstances into God’s hands,” my commentary noted.  “We would say, ‘All the affairs and details of my life are in the Lord’s hands.’”

In verse 22, David may have been ready to give up.  “I am cut off from Your sight.”  “It wasn’t the enemy that frightened him but the thought of being abandoned by the God he trusted and served.  He did what all of us must do when we sense that God is no longer near:  he cried out to the Lord for His mercy, and the Lord answered.”

Father, I’ve felt overwhelmed lately myself.  I know that I trust You.  I know that You will not desert me.  Yet You use trials like this to build my faith.  Please show me Your mercy, too, Father.  I know You will answer.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford