We see David again putting his trust in the Lord in the midst of his enemies when they desire to utterly destroy him. Some of the statements David made about the Lord stood out to me as I was reading, and I would like to share them with you:
- I have come to you for protection
- Save me
- Be my rock of protection
- Lead me out of this danger
- I entrust my spirit into your hand
- You are a faithful God
- I trust in the Lord
- You care about the anguish of my soul
- You have set me in a safe place
- My future is in your hands
- Let your favor shine on your servant
- I call out to you for help
- How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear you
Some of these statements are cries or pleas for help and others are statements of confidence in the faithfulness of the Lord no matter the circumstances. David was surrounded by enemies that wanted to destroy him. The second half of verse 13 says “My enemies conspire against me, plotting to take my life”. Yet even in the midst of that turmoil, David emphatically says ‘you are a faithful God’ and ‘I trust in the Lord’.
Can you describe a time where you experienced anguish of your soul? I know I can. Those can be some of the deepest and darkest times in our lives. And yet, here is David stating, ‘You care about the anguish of my soul’. Did you catch that? The God of the Universe – CARES about you and the anguish of your soul. He is not so distant as to not know or care. He hears. He responds. He provides a place of safety and rest. Here is what the verse says:
I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love,
for you care about the anguish of my soul. ~ Psalm 31:7
Over and over in the scripture, we see where the Lord intervened in the lives of those who were faithful. It didn’t mean that their lives were perfect or without trials. What it did mean is that when they experienced the struggles that we all face in life, they had a firm foundation. They found their source of strength in the Lord. That is why David says with confidence:
How great is the goodness You have stored up for those who fear you.
You lavish it on those who come to you for protection,
Blessing them before the watching world. ~ Psalm 31:19
Love the Lord all you godly ones! For the Lord protects those who are loyal to him,
but he harshly punishes the arrogant. So be strong and courageous,
all you who put your hope in the Lord. ~ Psalm 31:23-24
So tonight rest in the shelter and protection of the Lord. Lay all your worries and concerns at his feet. Cry out in anguish to the Lord who hears and cares. Know that the Lord is good and he loves you more than you can think or imagine.