What does Psalm 31:7 mean?

The Lord sees what every believer is experiencing. He sees each temptation and trial and invites every believer to approach His throne of grace in prayer to "receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16).

Although David experienced intense persecution, he retained his trust in the Lord. Because he had seen God's ability to work (Psalm 31:8), even through hardship (Romans 8:28), David was willing to rely on God instead of succumbing to despair. He knew his suffering never happened without God's knowledge. God saw David's struggles and emotional pain.

There is a subtle, yet crucial difference between happiness and joy. Happiness depends on favorable happenings; whereas joy depends upon a correct view of the Lord's character. Joy is tied to things like hope and faith. Because the Lord is all-knowing, all-powerful, kind, loving, and faithful, His people can experience joy amid adversity. Paul's letter to the Philippians is often called "The Joy Epistle" because of Paul's many references to joy and rejoicing. Yet, Paul was under arrest, chained, and guarded by Roman soldiers when he wrote Philippians.