Pastor’s Notes Psalm 31:19

Psalm 31:19

It seems that David wrote this psalm at a time of distress. It may have related to his numbering of Israel which caused the wrath of God to come upon them, or when he was betrayed by the men of Keilah. No matter what the occasion, he began the psalm in the valley of despair but as he reflected upon God’s goodness he was encouraged.

The first verse reads: “In thee, O LORD do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.” David confessed his dependence on God and pleaded that he would not be ashamed. The word ‘ashamed’ is translated from the Greek word ‘buwsh’ which has the idea of being confounded or disappointed. David well knew when we trust in God we will not be ashamed or confounded. (Ps 22:4-5). Yet in verse 12 he says: “I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind: I am like a broken vessel.”

David saw God as his rock and was not slow to ask God to deliver him when he needed help. By the time we get to verse 19 David is exiting the valley of despair and nearing the mountain top where the sky is clear and as the sun shines through, David declares: “Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee;” It is interesting to note that David says the goodness of God is stored up for those who fear God. It is bestowed upon those who openly reverence and trust God before others: “Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.” (v24).