Into Your Hand: Help to Find Refuge from Shame (Ps 31)

Read Psalm 31:

A Psalm of David.

¹ In you, O LORD, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me! ² Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily! Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me! ³ For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name’s sake you lead me and guide me; ⁴ you take me out of the net they have hidden for me, for you are my refuge. ⁵ Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God.

⁶ I hate those who pay regard to worthless idols, but I trust in the LORD. ⁷ I will rejoice and be glad in your steadfast love, because you have seen my affliction; you have known the distress of my soul, ⁸ and you have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy; you have set my feet in a broad place.

⁹ Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eye is wasted from grief; my soul and my body also. ¹⁰ For my life is spent with sorrow, and my years with sighing; my strength fails because of my iniquity, and my bones waste away. ¹¹ Because of all my adversaries I have become a reproach, especially to my neighbors, and an object of dread to my acquaintances; those who see me in the street flee from me. ¹² I have been forgotten like one who is dead; I have become like a broken vessel. ¹³ For I hear the whispering of many—terror on every side!—as they scheme together against me, as they plot to take my life.

¹⁴ But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.” ¹⁵ My times are in your hand; rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors! ¹⁶ Make your face shine on your servant; save me in your steadfast love! ¹⁷ O LORD, let me not be put to shame, for I call upon you; let the wicked be put to shame; let them go silently to Sheol. ¹⁸ Let the lying lips be mute, which speak insolently against the righteous in pride and contempt.

¹⁹ Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind! ²⁰ In the cover of your presence you hide them from the plots of men; you store them in your shelter from the strife of tongues.

²¹ Blessed be the LORD, for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me when I was in a besieged city. ²² I had said in my alarm, “I am cut off from your sight.” But you heard the voice of my pleas for mercy when I cried to you for help. ²³ Love the LORD, all you his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful but abundantly repays the one who acts in pride. ²⁴ Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD!

Understand Psalm 31:

Psalm 31 has been quoted by many distressed believers including Jonah (v. 6), Jeremiah (v. 13), and David himself (vv. 1-3; 71:1-3). The “besieged city” (31:21) most likely refers to Keilah where David fought and drove away the Philistines (see 1 Sam 23:1-14). He then hid among the rocks (vv. 25-26, 28; 24:2) and wilderness strongholds (23:19, 29; 24:22) when pursued by King Saul (23:15-24:22).

A.    A Plea for Deliverance (vv. 1-5)

In Psalm 31, David pleads for Yahweh to defend his glory: “In you, O LORD” (v. 1a) and “for your name’s sake” (v. 3b). The psalmist piles up descriptions of God’s strength: “refuge” (vv. 1a, 2c, 4b), “righteousness” (v. 1c), “rock” (vv. 2c, 3a), and “fortress” (vv. 2d, 3a). He then urges the Lord, “Let me never be put to shame” (v. 1b);[1] “deliver me!” (v. 1c); “incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily!” (v. 2a-b); “lead me and guide me” (v. 3b); “take me out of the net they have hidden for me” (v. 4a). Ultimately, he rests in the sovereignty of God: “Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God” (v. 5).[2]

““Into your hand I commit my spirit” would also be the last words on the lips of Jesus (Luke 23:46), Stephen (Acts 7:59), John Hus, Martin Luther, Philip Melanchthon, and many others.[3] True believers can entrust our entire being to God’s sovereign power even in the face of death. Our Savior, for example, was surrounded by taunting enemies and abandoned by his friends. Yet on the cross, he trusted the God of truth to vindicate him as righteous. He committed himself to his Father in death and was raised to life as the King of kings. Like Christ, then, we trust that the same God who redeemed us at the cross remains ever-faithful in our present distress (Rom 8:32). The One who delivered us so many times before, will surely do so again.

B.    A Profession of Confidence (vv. 6-8)

Unlike those who worship “worthless idols,” David resolves to “trust in the LORD” (Ps 31:6). So too, the prophet Jonah would one day call out to the Lord from the belly of the fish: “Those who pay regard to vain idols forsake their hope of steadfast love” (Jon 2:8). Blocks of wood and stone can’t help us either at the bottom of the sea or in the grave, for only the covenant-keeping God can promise his steadfast love.

Thus, David professes his confidence in the Lord: “I will rejoice and be glad in your steadfast love, because you have seen my affliction; you have known the distress of my soul, and you have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy; you have set my feet in a broad place” (Ps 31:7-8). “Distress” implies a tight squeeze, whereas the “broad place” allows him room to breathe (see 18:19). The psalmist has based his confidence on Yahweh’s past deliverance in the exodus: “Then the LORD said, ‘I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters. I know their sufferings, and I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land’” (Exod 3:7-8a). As Yahweh had seen and heard his people in the exodus, so he now sees David’s affliction and knows the anguish of his soul. We too, can profess our confidence that God sees us and knows us. He delivers us from present distresses just as he showed himself faithful in the past.

C.     A Prayer for Mercy (vv. 9-13)

As David prays, God’s mercy becomes his only refuge: “Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eye is wasted from grief; my soul and my body also” (Ps 31:9). David suffers both for his own sin (v. 10, “because of my iniquity”) and also for the wrongs done to him by others (vv. 11-13, “because of all my adversaries”). Sin has weakened him spiritually, emotionally, and physically: “sorrow,” “sighing,” failing “strength,” as “bones waste away.” Sin has also empowered his enemies to harm him: “a reproach, . . . and an object of dread”; “I have been forgotten; . . . like a broken vessel”; many whisper, “scheme,” and “plot to take my life.” Sin has disrupted all of his relationships whether with “adversaries,” “neighbors,” “acquaintances,” or simply strangers “in the street.” Jeremiah, like David, would know well this “terror on every side!” (v. 13; Jer 6:25; 20:3, 10; 46:5; 49:29; Lam 2:22), as would Christ Jesus, our Suffering Servant (Isa 52:13-53:12).

Our sufferings, as well, may result from either personal sin or the afflictions of others. Regardless of the cause, however, sin’s consequences will grieve our soul, destroy our body, damage our relationships, and surround us with terror on every side. God’s mercy is our only refuge when we trust in Christ our Savior who nailed sin and all its consequences to the cross (Col 2:13-14). By his death and resurrection, Jesus triumphed over all our enemies and “put them to open shame” (vv. 12, 15).

D.    A Pronouncement of Trust (vv. 14-18)

David then turns his trust to God: “But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, ‘You are my God’” (v. 14).[4] “My times are in your hand” (v. 15a) declares God’s sovereign power in all seasons and over all our enemies (v. 15b). The Lord does not simply yank puppet strings from afar, but holds his children with a firm and gentle hand. Why, therefore, should we commit our spirit to any other refuge (v. 5)? Thus, David cries out for God’s gracious, covenantal favor to shine upon him (v. 16; Num 6:25) unlike the prideful who are put to shame and led silently to the grave (Ps 31:17-18).[5] So also, we appeal to “Yahweh, the God of truth” (v. 5) for protection from “shame” (vv. 1, 17), vile slander (v. 13), “lying lips . . . , which speak insolently against the righteous” (v. 18), and “the strife of tongues” which assail us (v. 20). Like David, we pronounce our trust in God alone.

E.    A Proclamation of Goodness (vv. 19-20)

David then proclaims with wonder how God has treasured up his abundant goodness for those who fear him and rescues those who take refuge in his name (v. 19; Rom 8:28-29). He shelters those who reverently obey his Word from the schemes and slander of the wicked (Ps 31:20; e.g., 1 Sam 23:9). This mention of God’s “shelter” (sukkah) would then remind his people of the Feast of Booths (Succoth) and recall God’s provision in the wilderness after Israel’s exodus from Egypt. So also, when we face persecution and distress, let us proclaim the abundant goodness of our God whose enduring presence ensures our safety. In his steadfast love, we cultivate strong faith and stout hearts (27:14; Josh 1:9; 1 Cor 16:13).

One day, Jesus, the Greater David, would be handed over to be crucified by wicked men (Acts 2:22-23). He would be convicted by their slanderous accusations and fall prey to evil plots (4:24-27; see Ps 31:13). Yet God would not let the wicked triumph (Acts 2:24; 4:28) as Jesus testified on the cross, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” (Luke 23:46; see Ps 31:5). We too can trust our God completely, for his abundant goodness pours out an endless river of delight in his creation, his commandments, and his compassion toward his children.

F.     A Paragon of Praise (vv. 21-24)

David concludes Psalm 31 with praise for God’s merciful answer to prayer: “Blessed be the LORD, . . . ” (vv. 21-22). He then exhorts the people of God to join with him in praise: “Love the LORD, all you his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful but abundantly repays the one who acts in pride. Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD!” (vv. 23-24). As beloved (hesed) saints, we love our covenant-keeping God. As his faithful ones, we stay true to the God of truth (v. 5) and wait for him instead of following our feelings. Our identity as God’s children (beloved, faithful, humble, and trusting) leads to character like our Father (love, endurance, strength, and courage). “Blessed be the LORD” for holding all our times within his hand.

Apply Psalm 31:

1. Can you relate to being surrounded by “terror on every side” (v. 13)? Identify some of the foes and feelings which have caused you great distress. What “worthless idols” are you tempted to trust instead of the Lord your God (v. 6).
2. Meditate on who God is and how he promises to help his children for the sake of his own glory (v. 3).
3. Consider the causes of David’s suffering (vv. 10c, 11a). How did he suffer emotionally (vv. 9b-d, 13b), physically (v. 10), and relationally (vv. 11-13)? Has your own suffering been caused by personal sin or the sins of others? In what ways have you suffered? What cure can address both sin and suffering (v. 9a; Col 2:12-15)?
4. Do you trust in the Lord as the “God of truth” (vv. 5b, 6b, 14)? When have you needed his protection from shame (vv. 1, 17), slander (v. 13), deceit (v. 18), or strife (v. 20)? Ask him for help today if you have been assaulted by wicked speech.
5. Are you able to commit your life entirely to the Lord (v. 5a)? Do you trust him to hold all your times within his sovereign hand (v. 15a)? Profess your faith in him today. “Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD!” (v. 24).
6. Listen to Alistair Groves, “Speaking Our Losses and Finding Refuge,” CCEF National Conference (2014), accessed at https://www.ccef.org/shop/product/speaking-our-losses-and-finding-refuge-general-sessions-3.

Counsel Psalm 31:

The rich imagery of Psalm 31 encourages believers to face their losses with faith in God. Wise counselors then help to navigate the interplay of sin and suffering in a fallen world. For further insights into Psalms 30-31, read Joe Rigney, “Submit Your Felt Reality to God,” Desiring God (blog), May 19, 2022, accessed at https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/submit-your-felt-reality-to-god and David Powlison, “How Does Scripture Teach Us to Redeem Psychology” (JBC 26:3).

Projects for Growth (Psalm 31)

1. Respond to Psalm 31 by asking God to hear (v. 2a), help (vv. 1, 2b-4), and hold you (v. 5a).
2. Speak to the Lord honestly about both your hardships in life (vv. 6a, 9-13) and your hope in him (vv. 6b, 14-18).
3. Listen to God’s Word for examples of his past deliverance (vv. 5b, 7-8, 19-22). Memorize verse 5 and consider how Christ redeemed you through his death. Then meditate especially on Christ’s example in his earthly ministry, prayer for his disciples, wrestling in Gethsemane, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. Consider other examples as well such as the exodus from Egypt (Exod 3:7-8) and Jonah’s prayer from the belly of the fish (Jon 2:1-10).
4. Discern whether your suffering has been caused by personal sin, the sins of others, or both. Confess your lack of faith in God, then trust him to vindicate you when you’ve been wronged.
5. Worship the Lord with the same steadfast love he has shown to you (v. 23), then wait for him with a courageous heart (v. 24).
6. Actively obey his commands (vv. 17, 23) and seek his will (v. 3b). Identify fellow believers in your church or small group who can encourage you along the way.
7. Reflect on the hymn, My Heart Rejoices in Thy Name (sung to the tune of O, for a Thousand Tongues).[6]

Pray Psalm 31:

• O Lord, be my Rock and my Refuge (vv. 2-4).
• I trust you, Father, to care for my soul and for the seasons of my life (vv. 5-6, 14-15).
• Even in hard times, I rejoice in your steadfast love (vv. 7, 10-13, 16).
• I praise you for your sure protection (vv. 1-3, 8, 18-24).
• Be gracious to me and let me not be put to shame (vv. 1, 9, 17).

[1] Shame, in biblical usage, is not a subjective, internal embarrassment, but rather an outward, visible disgrace. Shame is a common theme within the psalms (Pss 4:2; 25:2, 3, 20; 31:1, 17; 34:5; 35:4, 26; 40:14, 15; 44:7, 15; 53:5; 69:6, 7; 70:2, 3; 71:1, 13, 24; 78:66; 83:16; 86:17; 89:45; 97:7; 109:28, 29; 119:6, 31, 46, 78, 80; 127:5; 129:5; 132:18).

[2] The perfect tense, “have redeemed,” declares that David rests in the ongoing grace of God’s past redemption (see Pss 25:22; 26:11; 44:26; 55:18; 69:18; 78:42; 130:8).

[3] As Martin Luther said, “Blessed are they who die not only for the Lord, as martyrs, not only in the Lord, as all believers, but likewise with the Lord, as breathing forth their lives with these words, ‘Into thine hands I commit my spirit’” (J. J. Stewart Perowne, Commentary on the Psalms, 2 vols. in 1 [Grand Rapids: Kregel, 1989], 1:284–85. Original edition 1878–1879). John Hus, who lived a century before Luther, was put to death by the Council of Constance. As Hus “was condemned to be burned at the stake, the bishop who conducted the ceremony ended with the chilling words: ‘And now we commit thy soul to the devil.’ Huss replied calmly, ‘I commit my spirit into thy hands, Lord Jesus Christ; unto thee I commend my spirit, which thou has redeemed’” (James Montgomery Boice, Psalms, 3 vols. [Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1994], 1:270).

[4] In addition to the contrastive conjunction, “But,” the pronouns “I” and “you” are also emphatic.

[5] In verses 14-18, David repeats many of the concepts from verses 1-7 to show that Yahweh has been the answer to his prayers: “shame” (vv. 1, 17); “rescue” (vv. 4, 15); salvation (vv. 2, 16); “my God,” “my Rock,” “my Refuge (vv. 2-4, 14); “in(to) your hand” (vv. 5, 15); “trust” (vv. 6, 14); and “steadfast (hesed) love” (vv. 7, 16). God’s divine favor is another frequent theme in the psalter (Pss 4:6; 31:16; 67:1; 80:3, 7, 19; 104:15; 119:35).

[6] Isaac Watts, The Psalms of David (1719).