If you’re like me, there are certain things in life that present themselves as a “thorn in the flesh” as Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 12:7. Some are temporary, but others are long-lasting. Like Paul, I have prayed repeatedly for deliverance from these types of problems, but sometimes God doesn’t answer as quickly as I’d like or in the manner I desire. These “thorns” are not to be taken lightly; our faith can be shaken by them, but God never allows these “thorns” to continue without a divine purpose. No matter what your “thorn” may be, hold on to the hope that when you are on the other side of the trial, like Job, you “… shall come forth as gold.” (Job 23:10)
David is an example of someone who had many “thorns” with which to deal in his life. Psalm 31 is a renewal of David’s commitment to God, and his words are an encouragement to believers today who find themselves weary in on-going spiritual battles from those nasty “thorns”.
Verses 1-3
- David knows that God is the One who delivers. God is the One who protects, and in whom we can complete trust without hesitation. David seeks God’s guidance and protection.
- It is important to remember that God is ALMIGHTY. His power is without equal. He can protect and guide you through any adversity that comes into your life, whether it is something that quickly comes and goes or becomes a long-lasting “thorn”.
Verses 4-5
- David was often given bad advice from those around him, and those lies cost him greatly when he omitted God from his decisions. Here, David cried out to God and fully trusted Him, calling Him the “Lord God of truth”. David trust God and expected Him to provide redemption from the enemy.
- Sometimes the enemy that is the most difficult to overcome is the one within us. Our own heart is not to be trusted. Jeremiah 17:9 reminds us that our heart… our flesh… is “… deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked…” Whether from within or without, it is God who saves us from the temptations and troubles of life.
Verses 6-13
- Sometimes the enemy is Satan. Many of the troubles we have in life are a result of existing in a sinful world that tempts us to follow its ungodly ways. Satan knows how to make sin look attractive and innocent, but 1 Peter 5:8 reminds us that the devil is “… as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” Satan’s only desire is to take us away from God, destroying us for his own evil wicked ways. However, God in His infinite mercy, is faithful to remain with us and protect us from the hand of our adversary (v8).
- God will never abandon us. This truth is a manifestation of His great mercy. We deserve to be left alone in our sin, but Jesus reminds us in Matthew 28:20, “…and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Even though we may be fighting a “thorn in the flesh”, we are not alone. No matter what the issue, God reminds us in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” Not only do we have His mercy, we have His grace and His strength!
Verses 13-16
- Again, David expresses his trust in God. He doesn’t depend upon his advisors or acquaintances. He turns to the Lord and seeks deliverance from Him only.
- While we may have those we seek out for advice when the “going gets tough”, we must never forget that man’s wisdom is nothing compared to God’s wisdom. 1 Corinthians 1:25 tells us, “Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” We have a God who yearns for us to come to Him with all of our cares (1 Peter 5:7). Let prayer and the study of God’s Word be your first “go-to” when seeking deliverance because God’s guidance is never going to lead you astray.
Verses 17-18
- God has no regard for those who are against the righteous… His children. David knows this and calls upon God to pass judgment upon those individuals.
- God hates sin, and one day His judgment will come upon this sinful world in which we live. For those who have trusted in Christ as Saviour, that judgment and subsequent wrath is something we will never experience. 1 Thessalonians 5:9 states, “For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ”. However, for those who have rejected God and chosen to follow the ways of sin and unrighteousness, they will face the consequences of their wickedness when they stand before the Lord God Almighty one future day.
Verses 19-21
- Here the Psalmist recounts how God is faithful to deliver, and David rejoices in that.
- God’s goodness is available to all who call upon Him for salvation. As sinners, we need a Saviour. The Bible tells us who that Saviour is when John writes, “And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world” (1 John 4:14).
- If you have never trusted Jesus and His forgiveness of sins, you can call upon Him at this moment. As a sinner, if you believe in Jesus died in your place on the cross, was buried and rose from the grave 3 days later to become the Saviour of the world as John wrote, simply bow your head in prayer, and ask Jesus to forgive your sins and come into your life as Lord and Saviour! You’ll never have to experience the judgment or wrath of God!
Verses 22-24
- David reminds those who trust and hope in God that the Lord hears them when they cry to Him, and that God will strengthen the hearts of those facing difficult times. He is the One who preserves and rewards His children.
- God has never broken one promise in His Word. Because of this, we have the assurance that He will always be faithful to what He has said in the Bible. David knew one day he would receive his reward from the Lord. As Christians, we also know that one day, we will stand before our Lord in heaven, having received everlasting life and a forever future in the presence of our sweet Saviour!
My Hope is in the Lord, who gave Himself for me And paid the price of all my sin at Calvary. For me He died; For me He lives, And everlasting life and light He freely gives. His grace has planned it all, 'Tis mine but to believe And recognize His work of love and Christ receive. For me He died; For me He lives, And everlasting life and light He freely gives. (from “My Hope Is In the Lord” by Norman J. Clayton)
“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” – Romans 15:13
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Don’t let God be your last hope; make Him your first and only hope!