There is nothing that comes close to matching the Psalms for inspiring hope in our hope deficient world. The 24 verses of Psalm 31 show how pressing into God’s love will give us true meaning and purpose in life. Go ahead and look up Psalm 31 in your favorite translation of the Bible and see how it compares to what’s quoted below.
Verse 1 “In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness.”
Lasting freedom from shame and guilt comes by trusting God alone as Refuge;; refuge defined as shelter, protection, defense, safety, security, safe place. But we must CHOOSE Him, and him alone, about all other distractions of the world’s systems. Our worldview must begin and end with him, and have him at the center.
2 “Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me.”
God’s strength and willingness to rescue is unmatched by any temporary earthly fix. No thrill, drug, power, person, or “high” can come close to the satisfaction of God awareness. God gives us his attention merely for the asking. He is ALWAYS accessible and absolutely nothing escapes his notice.
3 “Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me.”
Seeking the person of God himself, not just his blessings or benefits, is where we find true inner peace. Trusting in God for our protection and provision is the way we develop a closer relationship with him. His ways and judgments guide us into success on this journey of life.
4 “Free me from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge.”
The greatest enemy of our soul cannot steal our peace when we are walking in the Light of God’s Love. When our “inner voice” tells us lies about our insignificance and worthlessness, we can choose to allow him to remind us of our God-given significance, value, and worth.
5 “Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O LORD, the God of truth.”
God’s reality is absolute Truth. When our personal human spirit is surrendered to the Holy Spirit, Truth becomes our reality. Truth is our most precious redeeming grace.
6 “I hate those who cling to worthless idols; I trust in the LORD.”
Beliefs not based on truth cause us to err. We must choose friends and teachers wisely, so as not to be influenced by things that cause us to stray. We become like those we hang out with. Our primary relationships should be with others who submit to God’s authority and dwell in his Refuge.
7 “I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul.”
God understands our deepest pain, and always loves us despite the sin (whether our own guilt or someone else’s) that may have caused the affliction. God is our Healer and Redeemer.
8 “You have not handed me over to the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place.”
Although God condemns sinful behavior, he never condemns who we are as a person, and always gives us an opportunity for redemption. He realizes we are not perfect. He doesn’t allow our imperfections to stand in the way of his love for us. He sees us with the eyes of those he created us to be in the first place.
9 ”Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief.”
Our broken human condition commonly includes heartache. Allowing ourselves to feel the pain, and calling out for mercy, is appropriate. Trusting his mercy, and going to him with our distress, draws us closer to him.
10 “My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my affliction, and my bones grow weak.”
Sometimes the hardships become severe and drawn out. Life is hard and adversity overwhelms us. Our human ability to cope is limited, but God’s ability is limitless. He never tires, and never runs out of options.
11 “Because of all my enemies, I am the utter contempt of my neighbors; I am a dread to my friends – those who see me on the street flee from me.”
People are not naturally drawn to other hurting people. People may not know how to, or simply be afraid to, respond appropriately to a person in need. Hence, your circle of loyal friends may shrink when they see your hardships. But God doesn’t even know how to abandon. His arms are always open wide.
12 “I am forgotten by them as though I were dead; I have become like broken pottery.”
Abandonment by others sometimes makes us feel even worse than the circumstance itself. God never forsakes or abandons us. There is NO circumstance too difficult for God to step into, and provide Refuge for.
13 “For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side; they conspire against me and plot to take my life.”
Real or perceived threats to our safety seem to be more and more common in the world we live. Fear is used by media to make tragedies even more tragic. So-called news outlets repeat traumatic stories, revisiting old wounds and creating new ones. Consuming TV and fear-based news sources should be avoided. There Is need for anxiety in Refuge.
14 “But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.””
When the feeling of overwhelm comes, we have our trust in God as Refuge. Turn off the TV, and turn to the God of Refuge. Just like the Psalmist in this verse, choose to take your mind and heart off the circumstances, and place your full attention on Mighty God. After we do all that is humanly possible to intervene in a problem (having been faithful), we sit back and trust God with the final outcome.
15 “My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me.”
What is the worst that can happen? Even death has been conquered. God may have a shorter time for me on earth than I had hoped or expected. Living eternally in the presence of God is a sure thing. When our days on earth are done, our heavenly reward awaits.
16 “Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.”
There is no place like God’s presence. There is no love that matches God’s love. There is no salvation so complete as God’s place of Refuge.
17 “Let me not be put to shame, O LORD, for I have cried out to you; but let the wicked be put to shame and lie silent in the grave.”
There is both good and evil in this world. May good triumph, and evil be put in its place. Pursue good, and shun evil. God is the Judge. We are not the judge, and we don’t have to carry that responsibility. Justice is in God’s hands.
18 “Let their lying lips be silenced, for with pride and contempt they speak arrogantly against the righteous.”
Liars are very dangerous people. History is full of examples of the destruction caused by deceitfulness. Make sure what you are believing is the truth. Make sure those you follow are following the Truth.
19 “How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you.”
People who respect and honor God, will reap the benefits of God’s blessings. All good and great gifts come from above.
20 “In the shelter of your presence you hide them from the intrigues of men; in your dwelling you keep them safe from accusing tongues.”
God’s presence is the most precious treasure of life. To live in sync with His purposes for your life is the safest place to be. In spite of what others say or do to try to tear you down, God’s opinion is the one that really matters.
21 “Praise be to the LORD, for he showed his wonderful love to me when I was in a besieged city.”
At times when I feel trapped by the enemies lies, God shows up and fights the battle for me. Even when there seems no way out of a difficult situation, God can provide a way out.
22 “In my alarm I said, “I am cut off from your sight!” Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help.”
Sometimes life is scary, but calling out to God for help is totally appropriate, and the best thing we can do. Often when we take time to look back in hind sight, we can see how things worked out for the best.
23 “Love the LORD, all his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful, but the proud he pays back in full.”
God’s love never fails. God is always faithful, so why wouldn’t I want to faithfully surrender to His ways of preserving my life? Trying to preserve my life on my own, without his help, is a display of pride. Pride leads to downfall. I must remember those who turn their backs on God will come to ruin sooner or later.
24 “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.”
I believe Jesus is our Refuge. Refuge is putting our hope and trust in Jesus Christ as Lord. He is the true source of Inner peace, love, and courage to heal the weaknesses caused by our broken world. May I encourage you to seek more of Him, whether for the first time, or growing your relationship to a deeper level of commitment. May your Hope be in the Refuge Jesus Christ gives us!
Note: The New International Version (NIV) of the Bible is quoted in the verses above.