IN GOD’S HANDS

Psalm 31:1-6 New International Version (NIV)

In you, LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me.

Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, LORD, my faithful God. I hate those who cling to worthless idols; as for me, I trust in the LORD.

31:1-6 We say we have faith in God, but do we really trust him? David’s words, “Into your hands I commit my spirit,” convey his complete trust in God. Jesus used this phrase as he was dying on the cross—showing his absolute dependence on God the Father (Luke 23:46). Stephen repeated these words as he was being stoned to death (Acts 7:59), confident that in death he was simply passing from God’s earthly care to God’s eternal care to God’s eternal care. We should commit our possessions, our families, and our vocations to God. But first and foremost, we should commit ourselves completely to him. 31:6 Why did David suddenly bring up the subject of idol worship? He wanted to contrast his total devotion to God with the diluted worship offered by many Israelites. Pagan religious rituals were never completely banished from Israel and Judah, despite the efforts of David and a few other kings. Obviously a person who clung to idols could not commit his spirit into God’s hands. When we put today’s idols (wealth, material possessions, success) first in our lives, we cannot expect God’s Spirit to guide us. God is our highest authority and requires our first allegiance. Tyndale. Life Application Study Bible

ON THE WAY HOME WALK WITH JESUS and let him be your rock and fortress.

onthewayhomeministries.org by RICHARD DEAN BROOKS