Psalm 31 - Worthless Idols

When we live in difficult times people naturally ask the question ‘When are things going to get back to normal?’ ‘Normal’ is a word that describes what we expect from life, what we have been used to. The more we read the Psalms the more we build up a picture that ‘normal life’ for the writers of these songs and prayers was marked by daily threats, challenges and dangers.

It’s not that the Psalmists don’t hope for better days, but we see in them a faith that has been tempered and built over long periods of time when the ‘normal’ has not been easy and when they have been living their lives needing the daily bread of God’s sustaining word and presence.

There are some lines that jump out at us when we read the Psalms. Psalm 31 vs 5 is one of those verses. Calling on God for refuge, seeking His deliverance, calling for quick and necessary rescue, confronted by advancing enemies, the Psalmist cries out:

‘Into your hands I commit my spirit.’

When Jesus was on the cross, as he gasped for his final breath we read in Luke 23 vs 46: ‘Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.’

This gives us a fascinating insight into what it means to ‘trust in the LORD’ (vs 6), to seek God’s mercy in times of distress (vs 9), to look to the LORD when we are in anguish (vs 10), or when we feel alarmed and alone (vs 22). 

The Psalms teach us a language of faith, they give us words to say, they teach us how to pray. Day by day at this time may we learn more and more from the Psalms what true faith looks like and how true faith speaks to the One who gives heart to all who hope in Him (vs 24).

Prayer: Father sometimes I feel cut off from you. Help me to take heart today and to find new strength in You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.