MARCH 31, 2026 – MY ROCK AND MY FORTRESS

READ: Ps. 31:1–24: … In You, O LORD, I put my trust … Bow down Your ear to me, deliver me speedily … Into Your hand I commit my spirit … I trust in the LORD … Be merciful to me, O LORD … My strength fails because of my iniquity … I hear the slander of many … O LORD, do not let me be ashamed, for I have called upon You … Oh, how great is Your goodness which You have laid up for those who fear You …

First David tells the LORD how he deals with dangers when enemies lie in wait for him (vv.2–9). He always then goes to the LORD to pray for swift deliverance (vv.2–3).

David mentions three things. God proves to be his Rock and Fortress, and his strength (vv.3–4): he knows himself safe and strengthened in Him; He Himself is his refuge, where his enemies cannot reach him. David also prays that the LORD would lead him in His love, as a shepherd leads his sheep (v.3; cf. Ps. 23:2, 4).

Further, David prays for deliverance from the net that the wicked enemies have secretly laid for him (v.4). As always, David then thanks and praises the LORD that He has delivered him again and protected his life (v.5). Thus David is continually full of confidence in the LORD.

Yet there remains reason again to flee to the LORD, for there are continually new distresses. Under these David increasingly suffers. He also sees this as a consequence of his sins. Verse 10: “My life is spent with grief,” “my strength fails because of my iniquity,” “and my bones waste away.”

David also finds it difficult because of the reactions among the people: “I am a reproach among all my enemies, but especially among my neighbors, and am repulsive to my acquaintances; those who see me outside flee from me. I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind; I am like a broken vessel,” and he hears the slander of many (vv.11–13).

Yet David does not end here, for in all his fear, sorrow, troubles, and pain he continually turns again in hope to the LORD: “But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD; I say, ‘You are my God.’” David knows himself in all circumstances to be in the hand of the LORD, whatever happens, however difficult and heavy it becomes (v.15ff.).

The most important thing is that the LORD makes His face shine upon him and is gracious to him. Let all believers then with him praise the LORD and hope in Him, who gives deliverance and strengthens hearts (vv.23–24).

When do you say: “My times are in Your hand”?
Singing: Ps. 31:2,12,15