God’s Word of Hope
Introduction
Psalm 31: Today’s reading is a psalm that begins with the writer expressing trust in God (verses 1-8), followed by a series of laments (verses 9-13), a declaration of trust (verse 14), and pleas for deliverance (verses 15-18), and concludes with praise (verses 19-24). This psalm is an example of voicing complaints while, at the same time, expressing trust in God. A number of faith traditions include verses 1-5 among the readings at the beginning of Holy Week or the Sunday of the Lord’s Passion. Some translations render verse 5 as “Into your hand I commit my spirit,” words spoken by Jesus from the cross (Luke 23:46).
Scripture Reading
A Prayer of Trust in God
1I come to you, Lord, for protection;
never let me be defeated.
You are a righteous God;
save me, I pray!
2Hear me! Save me now!
Be my refuge to protect me;
my defense to save me.
3You are my refuge and defense;
guide me and lead me as you have promised.
4Keep me safe from the trap that has been set for me;
shelter me from danger.
5 I place myself in your care.
You will save me, Lord;
you are a faithful God.
6You hate those who worship false gods,
but I trust in you.
7I will be glad and rejoice
because of your constant love.
You see my suffering;
you know my trouble.
8You have not let my enemies capture me;
you have given me freedom to go where I wish.
9Be merciful to me, Lord,
for I am in trouble;
my eyes are tired from so much crying;
I am completely worn out.
10I am exhausted by sorrow,
and weeping has shortened my life.
I am weak from all my troubles;
even my bones are wasting away.
11All my enemies, and especially my neighbors,
treat me with contempt.
Those who know me are afraid of me;
when they see me in the street, they run away.
12Everyone has forgotten me, as though I were dead;
I am like something thrown away.
13I hear many enemies whispering;
terror is all around me.
They are making plans against me,
plotting to kill me.
14But my trust is in you, O Lord;
you are my God.
15I am always in your care;
save me from my enemies,
from those who persecute me.
16Look on your servant with kindness;
save me in your constant love.
17I call to you, Lord;
don’t let me be disgraced.
May the wicked be disgraced;
may they go silently down to the world of the dead.
18Silence those liars—
all the proud and arrogant
who speak with contempt about the righteous.
19How wonderful are the good things
you keep for those who honor you!
Everyone knows how good you are,
how securely you protect those who trust you.
20You hide them in the safety of your presence
from the plots of others;
in a safe shelter you hide them
from the insults of their enemies.
21Praise the Lord!
How wonderfully he showed his love for me
when I was surrounded and attacked!
22I was afraid and thought
that he had driven me out of his presence.
But he heard my cry,
when I called to him for help.
23Love the Lord, all his faithful people.
The Lord protects the faithful,
but punishes the proud as they deserve.
24Be strong, be courageous,
all you that hope in the Lord.
Today’s Key Verse: Psalm 31:24
Be strong, be courageous, all you that hope in the LORD.
Reflect
Note the movement of this psalm from words of confidence and trust, to petitions for help, and concluding with praise. Have you ever experienced this type of spiritual journey when praying?
Is there something for which you need God’s help today? For what will you thank God today?
Pray
O Lord, trusting in your mercy and righteousness, I turn to you for help. When I am in trouble, I place myself in your care. My hope is in you. I thank and praise you for sheltering me in your goodness and love. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Hebrews 6:13—7:14: Jesus ushers in a new agreement and becomes a high priest forever.