The 24 verses of Psalm 31 show how pressing into God’s love will give us true meaning and purpose in life.
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 (shelter, protection, defense, safety, security, safe place).
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, or “high” can come close to the satisfaction of God awareness. God gives us his attention merely for the asking.
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.
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.
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.
6 “I hate those who cling to worthless idols;
I trust in the LORD.”
Beliefs not based on truth cause us to err. Chose friends and teachers wisely, so as not be influenced by things that cause you to stray.
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.
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 our personhood, and always gives us an opportunity for redemption.
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 human condition commonly includes heartache. Allowing ourselves to feel the pain, and calling out for mercy, is appropriate.
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. Our human ability to cope is limited, but God’s ability is limitless.
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.”
Hurting people are not naturally drawn to other hurting people. Your circle of loyal friends may shrink when they see your hardships.
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 circumstances themselves. God never forsakes or abandons us.
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. But there Is no 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.
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? 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 scarey, but calling out to God for help is totally appropriate, and the best thing I can do.
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?
24 “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.”
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.
Note: The New International Version (NIV) of the Bible is quoted in the verses above.
by Ed Hersh,
Blue Rock BnB Healing Ministry
