Summer Week 4 - Psalm 31 | Sunday Service 7/5/26

David Guzak writes; “This psalm is simply titled To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. Charles Spurgeon rightly said regarding the title of this psalm,“The dedication to the chief musician proves that this song of mingled measures and alternate strains of grief and woe was intended for public singing, and thus a deathblow is given to the notion that nothing but praise should be sung.” We have no definite marking place in David’s life for this psalm because he was so often in trouble. It resonates with deep and personal trust in God in the depths of difficulty.

Psalm 31 is a good one to memorize – for all who walk this earth will suffer and need words when there are no words. (Jesus did tell us; *“In this world you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world.”*) 

In Psalm 31 David calls out and names his deep distress alongside truths that enable him to take heart in the midst of the pain. One of the common traps set for us is to believe that God has forsaken and that His love has failed. David's cries and pleas for help are based on the reality of God’s unchanging and unfailing love – a love that exists outside of and on a completely different plain than David’s troubles.  

The pattern David gives for our own impossible circumstances, crises of faith, sickness, distress, depression, despair and death is this: “this is *how things are*, this is *who You are Lord*, *please move* according to the character I know is true of You but do not see, *for the sake of Your name lead and guide me, free me from the traps that are set for me*.” 

While we wait for the Lord’s deliverance, and especially for those for whom the wait is long, do take heart – none of this can last forever.

Jesus has overcome and He loves us. His mercy is new every morning. He is a strong fortress and able to save.

Prepare for this week's teaching by reading Psalm 31

-------

To help us keep God’s word planted deep into our hearts we encourage you to memorize a Psalm over the Summer. (The children in Grace Airways will be memorizing all of Psalm 23. We are confident that by hiding God's word in your heart in this way will bear fruit that will last all throughout your life.