What does Psalm 31:2 mean?

David asks God to quickly answer his prayer. This suggests the urgency in which David needed the Lord's help. David's need of rescue may have been physical, emotional, spiritual, or all three. At many times in his life, he was under attack (1 Samuel 23:25; 2 Samuel 21:15). These situations would make him physically and emotionally exhausted. Perhaps the enemy was closing in on him. When danger was close, it would be natural to wonder if the Lord still cared about him (Psalm 22:1). And yet, God heard his prayer and met his need.

This psalm reminds believers of God's personal relationship to His people. David personally takes refuge in the Lord and calls to Him in the midst of need, trusting God will listen or "incline His ear." Every believer in Jesus Christ has a personal relationship with God. John 1:12 identifies all who receive Jesus as Savior as God's children. Galatians 4:5 teaches that God sent His Son into the world to redeem us "so that we might receive adoption as sons." The next verse explains: "And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba, Father!'" (Galatians 4:6). We can all come to God in prayer, knowing He will hear us (Hebrews 4:14–16; 1 Peter 3:12; 1 John 5:14–15).

Phrases such as "rock of refuge" emphasize the safety and trust which believers are meant to invest in God.