Psalm of Thanksgiving for God’s Help in Adversity

“In Thee, O Lord, do I put my trust: let me never be ashamed; deliver me in Thy righteousness. Bow down Thine ear to me; deliver me speedily; be Thou my strong rock, for an house of defense to save me… Into Thine hand I commit my spirit: Thou has redeemed me, O Lord God of truth….Thou hast set my feet in a large room…My times are in Thy hand…Make Thy face to shine upon Thy servant; save me for Thy mercies’ sake…Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.” (Psalm 31:1-2, 5, 8b, 15a, 24. KJV). [Read Psalm 31].

As I read this psalm again and again in various translations, I was inspired by its beautiful and appropriate pleas for help in times of adversity combined with the assurances expressed that God will indeed be a Helper in adversity. He will bring us through them all and then set our feet in a large and spacious room (give us peace and rest). I quoted above from the King James Version because we memorized verses from this Psalm of worship (used in both personal and corporate worship). The psalm’s 24 verses alternate between lament (a cry for help in times of distress) and thanksgiving (praise for deliverance from distress). Jesus Christ quoted from this Psalm when He was dying on the cross for our sins, placing an important address before the words: “Father, into Thy hand I commit My spirit.” (v. 5a; see Luke 23:46). The Psalm is attributed to David. Strong poetic language abounds throughout the psalm, all extolling God’s mercy, protection and deliverance. We can take courage and place our complete confidence in God, for He saves us for His mercies’ sake (v.15a). Dr. Alton McEachern, in his commentary on psalms (in Layman’s Bible Book Commentary, Volume 8. Nashville: Broadman, 1981. p. 51), notes: “The poet’s expression of his needs are quite elaborate. They include: danger in battle, illness, loneliness, threat, persecution, and ensnaring enemies.” And the good news is that God delivered in all situations cited. The psalmist remembered to thank God for His deliverance through adversities—not from them, but through them.

The psalm ends with a strong invitation to all who love the Lord to take courage and wait (depend upon) the Lord for deliverance. The psalmist is confident that God will deliver. Whatever trial or burden you are bearing now, “take it to the Lord in prayer” as David did in this psalm. Pray the words of this psalm that apply to your situation. “My times are in Thy hand.” And then await God’s good work to be accomplished. Thank Him in advance for what He will do in your life and through your adversities: “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” (Psalm 31:24, NIV).

c Ethelene Dyer Jones; Thursday, November 18, 2010