In reading Psalm 31 you may see much of what you are going through and what you want God to do.

The ending is so awesome because it shows each of us where God wants to lead us and to take us.

I have used the New Living Translation because of its ease in reading.

Replace your name wherever you see (NAME)

 

In Verses 1-5 the writer asks God for help and protection. 

Because of God’s character it is essential that we ask for his help. 

He lets us fight the battles alone, until we have had enough and come to Him for help. 

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O Lord, I have come to You for protection; don't let me be disgraced. 
Save me, for You do what is right.
Turn Your ear to listen to me; rescue me quickly. 
Be my rock of protection, a fortress where I will be safe. 
You are my Rock and my Fortress.
For the honor of Your name, lead me out of this danger. 
Pull me from the trap my enemies set for me, for I find protection in You alone.
I entrust my spirit into Your Hand.  Rescue me, Lord, for You are a faithful God.

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In verses 6-8, the writer rejoices because God sees his troubles and cares about his anguish.  He sees that God has put him in a safe place.  God cares about you and wants to put you in a safe place.

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I hate those who worship worthless idols.  I trust in the Lord.

I will be glad and rejoice in Your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles, and You care about the anguish of my soul.

You have not handed me over to my enemies but have set me in a safe place.

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In verses 9-13 the writer describes his pain and the thoughts that torment him.

 

Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am in distress.  Tears blur my eyes.

My body and soul are withering away.

I am dying from grief; my years are shortened by sadness.

Sin has drained my strength; I am wasting away from within.

I am scorned by all my enemies and despised by my neighbors--even my friends are afraid to come near me. 

When they see me on the street, they run the other way. 

I am ignored as if I were dead, as if I were a broken pot.

I have heard the many rumors about me, and I am surrounded by terror. 

My enemies conspire against me, plotting to take my life.

 

In verses 14-18, the writer is trusting God with his future.  He asks for God’s favor to shine on him.  He asks for God to rescue him for he calls out for help.

But I am trusting you, O Lord, saying, "You are my God!"

My future is in Your Hands.

Rescue me from those who hunt me down relentlessly.

Let Your Favor shine on your servant. 

In Your Unfailing Love, rescue me.

Don't let me be disgraced, O Lord, for I call out to You for help.

Let the wicked be disgraced; let them lie silent in the grave.

Silence their lying lips--those proud and arrogant lips that accuse the godly.

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And verses 19-24 describe the attitude of the writer when God comes to Him and fills his heart.  They are written out for you to read and may you too be filled with the hope of God as you call out to Him in your time of trouble!!

 

HOW GREAT IS THE GOODNESS YOU HAVE STORED UP FOR [NAME]

BECAUSE SHE FEARS YOU. 

YOU LAVISH GOODNESS ON [NAME]

BECAUSE SHE COMES TO YOU FOR PROTECTION,

BLESSING [NAME]  BEFORE THE WATCHING WORLD.

YOU HIDE [NAME] IN THE SHELTER OF YOUR PRESENCE,

SAFE FROM THOSE WHO CONSPIRE AGAINST HER.

YOU SHELTER [NAME]  IN YOUR PRESENCE, FAR FROM ACCUSING TONGUES.

PRAISE THE LORD, FOR HE HAS SHOWN [NAME] THE WONDER OF HIS UNFAILING LOVE. 

HE KEPT [NAME]  SAFE WHEN HER CITY WAS UNDER ATTACK.

IN PANIC [NAME] CRIED OUT, “I AM CUT OFF FROM THE LORD!”

BUT YOU HEARD HER CRY FOR MERCY AND ANSWERED HER CALL FOR HELP.

LOVE THE LORD, ALL YOU GODLY ONES!

FOR THE LORD PROTECTS THOSE WHO ARE LOYAL TO HIM,

BUT HE HARSHLY PUNISHES THE ARROGANT. 

SO BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS, ALL YOU WHO PUT YOUR HOPE IN THE LORD.

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Believe precious sister that God has goodness stored up for you.

With the love of Jesus, Judy