How stimulating for us in today’s godless world is the attitude David reveals in today’s Psalm 31.  David has had a time of depression – and have not we all had times (hopefully very few and brief) when we feel somewhat overwhelmed by our immediate circumstances – and even more – by the challenges in the world today!?  It is then that we struggle to think – and therefore act – positively.  David writes, “I hear the whispering of many— terror on every side!” [v.13]. It seems likely, if not certain, that our world is going to experience something similar!  

How are we coping with the godless distractions of which our world abounds at the moment?  How close are we to “that day”?   It appears it could be very near to when the world reals in astonishment to realize there really is a God – and, what’s more,  one who sees and knows all!  He has the overall control of events – and many are now receiving what they deserve!

Jesus tells his disciples (and that must surely include us) “”But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap.” [Luke 21 v.34]  So, just as important, if not more so, we must “watch ourselves”.

God’s great day of action – when he deals with our world – will come “like a trap” and utterly astonish the whole world – except true dedicated believers.

Let us develop the faith of David and declare – “But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in your hand …. Make your face shine on your servant; save me in your steadfast love!” [v.15,16]  We look ahead to David’s Psalm 67 – how inspiring is that to us in 2023!  

David wrote in that Psalm, “May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations. … guide the nations … let all the ends of the earth fear him!” [v.1,2,4,7]  Let us fully believe this so that we will, as today’s Psalm ends, “Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD! Let us be so committed that we truly “wait for the LORD.”