Thursday, November 14
Read Psalm 31
Think About It:
This is a classic Psalm for your personal arsenal when you need encouragement. The emphasis is on trusting (“taking refuge”) in the Lord, no matter how difficult the circumstances might be (verses 1, 6, 14, 19). David was surrounded by subversive whispering campaigns and wicked conspiracies (verses 8, 13, 15, 18, 20) and everything seemed against him. Even his best friends and neighbors didn’t want to be seen with him (verses 11-13), and there was “fear on every side.” When others do evil, trust God for His Strength. Along with God’s protection, David needed God’s direction so he would avoid the traps the enemy had set for him. “You are my strength” was his affirmation of faith (verse 4) for his own strength had failed (verse 10). Cry out to the Lord for mercy and help (verses 9, 15, 16-18, 20, 22). David ends with this fantastic truth, “Love the Lord, all you godly ones! For the Lord protect those who are loyal to Him, but harshly punishes the arrogant. So be strong and courageous, all you who put hope in the Lord.”
Remember this one when you are feeling down and need the Lord’s protection.
Family Time:
- What did the psalmist say was in God’s hands? (verse 15)
- What are we told to do in the last two verses? (verses 23-24)
