The Psalms have always been a rich source of wisdom and strength for Christians suffering for their faith. This suffering can be intense: believers are often required to pay a price for their faith that seems too great to bear. When the trials seem overwhelming (to the point that it feels like drowning), God’s promises and His faithfulness are a source of great comfort and strength. Psalms 31 and 91 offer insights about God’s unwavering faithfulness and help in times of trial.
Psalm 31 was written by King David, most likely while his son Absalom was pursuing him to kill him. After expressing confidence in God’s faithfulness and God’s deliverance from enemies, David expresses anguish, fear, and sorrow. His prayer provides a glimpse of the dire situation he is in:
• His enemies have set trap for him (vs. 4)
• He is in distress (vs. 9)
• He is ridiculed and his friends have abandoned him (vs. 11)
• His enemies conspire against him and plot to take his life (vs. 13)
• He is being actively pursued by his enemies (vs. 15)
But despite such life-threatening situation, David clings to God’s faithfulness and seeks refuge in Him:
He proclaims in verse 5:
“Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God.”
He acknowledges God’s mercy and grace in verse 16:
“Make your face shine upon your servant; save me in your steadfast love.”
He testifies to God’s goodness and faithfulness in verse 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!” (vs. 19)
David recognizes that even in his darkest hour, God’s love and faithfulness are unwavering.
By contrast to Psalm 31’s lament, Psalm 91 highlights God’s protection and care for those who trust in Him. The first verse of Psalm 91 announces God’s protection: “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty”
The psalm then goes on to explain that God’s followers will experience trials and difficulties – deadly diseases, enemy attacks, and natural calamities – but they can take comfort in the knowledge that God promises His protection, His presence, and His power to those who call out to Him (91:9-16):
“If you say, “The LORD is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent.
For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
“Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.”
He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.
With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
Psalms 31 and 91 are beautiful reminders of God’s faithfulness and His promise to protect and provide amidst adversity for those who place their trust in Him. God promises to never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). So when things seem bleak – or even hopeless – He will always be there with us, through thick and thin.
He is our refuge, deliverer, and protector.
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