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.31:1-24.

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Psalm 31 Trust amid apparent hopelessness

In his distress David is dependent entirely on the merciful goodness of God (Ps 31:1-2).

He knows God’s character well enough to be assured that God will save him (Ps 31:3-5).

God will bring victory to those who trust in him, and judgment on those who reject him for other gods (Ps 31:6-8).

Nevertheless, the psalmist’s faith is at times shaken by the intensity of his sufferings. Physically and spiritually he feels helpless almost to the point of despair (Ps 31:9-10).

Enemies plot against him and friends have deserted him (Ps 31:11-13).

Yet he trusts in the steadfast love of God, believing that God will deliver him and destroy his enemies (Ps 31:14-18).

He knows that the God in whom he trusts is unfailingly faithful to his people (Ps 31:19-20), and he recalls how God has saved him in the past (Ps 31:21-22).

He urges all God’s people to love and trust him with patience and courage. Then they will have the strength to bear whatever troubles they meet (Ps 31:23-24).