Psalm 31  David's continual song is one of praise and thanksgiving. David is a man of prayer.. and this shows us why he was called a man after God's own heart..   Over and over again he proclaims his faith in the Lord.. " In Thee, O Lord, I have taken refuge..."  It is in the Lord our God that we find protection and hope. He is the One we can trust in every situation. This is the Truth that we stand on!

David's prayer is that he would "never be ashamed".  Dare we ask the same?  Lord, may we not be delayed or disappointed.. may we not fail You. Let us not be ashamed of You and may You not be ashamed of us...

Here, David prays for strength and he prays for guidance.  He prays for grace and for deliverance.  He prays for healing and for courage.  He prays for his prayers to be heard.  All of these things.. we bring to the Lord also.  And, like David we can be assured that He hears us!

Praise to the Lord!

Our God IS a rock and a fortress.(v3)

Our God is the One who ransomed us. (v5)

Our God is trustworthy.(v6)

Our God is loving and kind. (v7)

Our God sees our afflictions and knows our troubles.(v7)

Our times are in His hands. (v15)

"How great is Thy goodness, which Thou hast stored up for those who fear Thee, which Thou hast wrought for those who take refuge in Thee, before the sons of men." (v19)  He hides "them in the secret place of Thy presence..." (v20)  He has stored up "goodness" for us! He hides us.. you and me.. in the place of His presence!  This brings to mind an old and wonderful hymn.. the chorus goes -

"He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock,

That shadows a dry, thirsty land; 

He hideth my life in the depths of His love,

And covers me there with His hand, 

And covers me there with His hand,"

" O love the Lord, all you His godly ones! The Lord preserves the faithful, and fully recompenses the proud doer. Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the Lord." ( v23-24)

Father, thank You for loving me, for saving me.. for paying the ransom for my soul.  I rejoice and am glad in Your love and kindness, and praise You for being a rock and fortress for Your people... for me! We put our trust in You and find help in times of trouble. Keep us abiding in Christ.. keep us faithful in prayer.  May Your word abide in us and us in Christ.. hiding in Your secret place.. in Your Presence. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.