December 30, 2023 - Psalm 31

In his desperation, David cried out to God – “Have mercy upon me, O Lord” (31:9) – not only because of his enemies, but also because of his own transgressions – “My life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing: my strength faileth because of mine iniquity, and my bones are consumed” (31:10).  (Yep, that’s right, here at the end of the year, I am quoting from the King James translation.  When in the Psalms, I almost can’t help myself.)  Furthermore, David cried, “I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind: I am like a broken vessel” (31:12).  Wow, someone thinks, “What a terribly depressing way to end the year in God’s Word!”   Well, not really.  When we think about it, we live in a fallen world and we experience fears and sorrows just as David did.  But David knew what to do about it.  He testified, “But I trusted in thee, O Lord: I said, Thou art my God.  My times are in thy hand” (31:14-15).

Hear David’s additional testimony:  “Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee . . . O love the Lord, all ye his saints: for the Lord preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.  Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord (31:19-24).  Let us always be counted among those who hope in the Lord!

I am weak, and I need Thy strength and power

To help me over my weakest hour;

Let me through the darkness Thy face to see,

Lead me, O Lord, lead me.

Lead me, guide me along the way;

For if You lead me, I cannot stray;

Lord, let me walk each day with Thee.

Lead me, O Lord, lead me.   -- Doris Akers (1977)