Psalms 31

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with the psalmist crying out to God for help, expressing his trust in God's faithfulness and righteousness (Psalms 31:1-5). He then describes his distress and persecution, but affirms his trust in God's deliverance (Psalms 31:6-13). The psalmist commits his spirit to God, trusting in His goodness and faithfulness (Psalms 31:14-18). He concludes the psalm with a expression of confidence in God's deliverance and a call to all the righteous to trust in Him (Psalms 31:19-24). Throughout the chapter, the psalmist emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's character and promises, rather than in human strength or abilities.

Context for the Chapter

This chapter is part of the book of Psalms, which is a collection of songs and prayers that express the depths of human emotion and the heights of divine revelation. The chapter is likely written by David, who was a king and a prophet in Israel. The chapter's themes of trust in God's deliverance and faithfulness are consistent with the broader biblical narrative, which emphasizes God's sovereignty and love for His people. The chapter's emphasis on trust in God's character and promises is also consistent with the Reformed/evangelical tradition, which highlights the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and providence.

Heart Application

This chapter calls us to trust in God's faithfulness and deliverance, even in the midst of distress and persecution. We can apply this to our own lives by crying out to God for help, affirming our trust in His character and promises, and committing our spirit to Him. As we trust in God's deliverance, we can experience His peace and joy, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. This is evident in verses such as Psalms 31:7 and Psalms 31:19, where the psalmist expresses his joy and confidence in God's deliverance.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter is about trusting in God's deliverance and faithfulness, even when things seem impossible. The psalmist cries out to God for help and affirms his trust in God's character and promises. We can learn from the psalmist's example and trust in God's deliverance, just like he did (Psalms 31:1-5). By trusting in God, we can experience His peace and joy, even in difficult circumstances.

Voices from the Church

“The psalmist's trust in God is not a vague or general trust, but a specific and particular trust in God's faithfulness and deliverance. This is the kind of trust that can sustain us in the midst of distress and persecution.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The psalmist's commitment of his spirit to God is a remarkable expression of trust and confidence in God's sovereignty and deliverance. This is the kind of trust that is required of us as Christians, as we navigate the challenges and uncertainties of life.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction: Cry for Help (Psalms 31:1-5) — The psalmist cries out to God for help, expressing his trust in God's faithfulness and righteousness.
2. Description of Distress (Psalms 31:6-13) — The psalmist describes his distress and persecution, but affirms his trust in God's deliverance.
3. Commitment to God (Psalms 31:14-18) — The psalmist commits his spirit to God, trusting in His goodness and faithfulness.
4. Expression of Confidence (Psalms 31:19-22) — The psalmist expresses his confidence in God's deliverance and calls on all the righteous to trust in Him.
5. Conclusion: Call to Trust (Psalms 31:23-24) — The psalmist concludes the psalm with a call to all the righteous to trust in God's deliverance and faithfulness.

Core Doctrines

Sovereignty of God

This chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all things, including our lives and circumstances. The psalmist's trust in God's deliverance and faithfulness is based on God's sovereignty and power (Psalms 31:15).

Faithfulness of God

The chapter emphasizes God's faithfulness to His promises and character, which is the basis for our trust in Him. The psalmist affirms his trust in God's faithfulness and righteousness, recognizing that God is faithful in all His ways (Psalms 31:1, Psalms 31:5).

Importance of Trust

The chapter highlights the importance of trusting in God's deliverance and faithfulness, even in the midst of distress and persecution. The psalmist's trust in God is not based on his own strength or abilities, but on God's character and promises (Psalms 31:1, Psalms 31:14).

Commitment to God

The chapter teaches that commitment to God is essential for experiencing His deliverance and faithfulness. The psalmist's commitment of his spirit to God is a remarkable expression of trust and confidence in God's sovereignty and deliverance (Psalms 31:5).

Lessons from Psalms 31

1. Lesson 1: Trust in God's Deliverance — The psalmist's trust in God's deliverance is a powerful example for us to follow. We can learn to trust in God's deliverance, even when things seem impossible (Psalms 31:1-5).
2. Lesson 2: Commitment to God — The psalmist's commitment of his spirit to God is a remarkable expression of trust and confidence in God's sovereignty and deliverance. We can learn to commit our spirit to God, just like the psalmist did (Psalms 31:5).
3. Lesson 3: Expression of Confidence — The psalmist's expression of confidence in God's deliverance is a powerful declaration of trust and faith. We can learn to express our confidence in God's deliverance and faithfulness to others, just like the psalmist did (Psalms 31:19-22).
4. Lesson 4: Importance of Faithfulness — The chapter emphasizes the importance of God's faithfulness to His promises and character. We can learn to trust in God's faithfulness, recognizing that He is faithful in all His ways (Psalms 31:1, Psalms 31:5).
5. Lesson 5: Sovereignty of God — The chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all things, including our lives and circumstances. We can learn to trust in God's sovereignty, recognizing that He is in control of all things (Psalms 31:15).

Themes from Psalms 31

1. Theme 1: Trust in God's Deliverance — The psalmist's trust in God's deliverance is a central theme of the chapter. We can learn to trust in God's deliverance, even when things seem impossible (Psalms 31:1-5).
2. Theme 2: Commitment to God — The psalmist's commitment of his spirit to God is a remarkable expression of trust and confidence in God's sovereignty and deliverance. We can learn to commit our spirit to God, just like the psalmist did (Psalms 31:5).
3. Theme 3: Expression of Confidence — The psalmist's expression of confidence in God's deliverance is a powerful declaration of trust and faith. We can learn to express our confidence in God's deliverance and faithfulness to others, just like the psalmist did (Psalms 31:19-22).
4. Theme 4: Importance of Faithfulness — The chapter emphasizes the importance of God's faithfulness to His promises and character. We can learn to trust in God's faithfulness, recognizing that He is faithful in all His ways (Psalms 31:1, Psalms 31:5).
5. Theme 5: Sovereignty of God — The chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all things, including our lives and circumstances. We can learn to trust in God's sovereignty, recognizing that He is in control of all things (Psalms 31:15).

Questions for Meditation

1. What are some ways that you can cry out to God for help in your own life, just like the psalmist did in Psalms 31:2?
2. How can you affirm your trust in God's faithfulness and deliverance, even when things seem impossible?
3. What are some ways that you can commit your spirit to God, just like the psalmist did in Psalms 31:5?
4. How can you express your confidence in God's deliverance and faithfulness to others, just like the psalmist did in Psalms 31:19-22?
5. What are some ways that you can trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness in your own life, just like the psalmist did in Psalms 31:15?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Psalms 31

	Sermon	Description
	God Doesn't Give Up on Children Who Fall by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher addresses the bondage and fear that many people experience due to past traumas and sins. He emphasizes that God's hand is a hand of love and deliveranc
	Bringing the Power of God Into Prayer by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of speaking and the impact it can have on someone's life. He shares a story from the Old Testament about three lepers who made a c
	Seven Words From the Cross - Submission by Warren Wiersbe	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. He highlights the significance of the three statements Jesus made before his death: "I thirst," "It is
	The Path to Hope by David Wilkerson	This sermon focuses on the path to hope as outlined in Romans 5, emphasizing the importance of being justified by faith and having peace with God. It highlights the role of tribula
	Thou Hast Set My Feet in a Large Place by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher begins by referencing Isaiah 4 and Psalms 42, focusing on the theme of finding hope and help in God's presence. He encourages the congregation to refle
	Automobile Evangelism by William Booth	This sermon reflects on the inspiring courage and determination of William Booth, a 75-year-old man who embraced innovative methods like using a motor car for campaigning in 1904,
	The Battle of Life (The Christian's Warfare) by C.H. Spurgeon	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of starting early in the pursuit of a life dedicated to serving God. He warns young men and women that the road to spiritual v
	A Big Two Letter Word by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of understanding the different types of literature in the Bible. He explains that some parts are narratives, telling stories, w
	Psalms - Part 1 by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of filling one's heart with the Word of God rather than simply avoiding evil. He references the story of a demon being cast ou
	Attributes of God - Grace, Mercy, Longsuffering and Goodness by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the smallness of the earth in the vast universe, highlighting the insignificance of humanity in comparison. However, despite our sinful state

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Psalms 31

Matthew Henry's commentary on Psalms 31 emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's deliverance and faithfulness, even in the midst of distress and persecution. Henry notes that the psalmist's trust in God is not based on his own strength or abilities, but on God's character and promises. Henry also highlights the significance of the psalmist's commitment of his spirit to God, which is a remarkable expression of trust and confidence in God's sovereignty and deliverance. Throughout the commentary, Henry emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's faithfulness and deliverance, and encourages readers to cry out to God for help and to commit their spirit to Him, just like the psalmist did. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?