Psalm 31:14 - Printer Friendly

ESV: But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, "You are my God."

NIV: But I trust in you, Lord; I say, "You are my God."

NASB: But as for me, I trust in You, Lord, I say, 'You are my God.'

CSB: But I trust in you, Lord; I say, "You are my God."

NLT: But I am trusting you, O Lord, saying, 'You are my God!'

KJV: But I trusted in thee, O Lord: I said, Thou art my God.

NKJV: But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.”

This verse begins with the word "but," creating contrast with the previous passage. Earlier, David noted his dire circumstances. Enemies plotted to kill him. Friends and neighbors turned their backs (Psalm 31:11–13). Despite physical and emotional pain, conviction of sin, reproach, and rejection, David still trusts in the Lord. Adverse circumstances can come in many forms. Persecution, distress, and a feeling of rejection and aloneness may almost crush a believer, but the Lord will never forsake him. He can say with David, "You are my God." With God on his side, David could feel victorious over every harsh circumstance.

Every believer can feel victorious despite painful situations. Paul explains to the Romans that everything is working for good for those who love God (Romans 8:28–30). Therefore, believers can look forward to victory over the hardest of experiences and exclaim, "in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us" (Romans 8:37). As Paul affirms: "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)

Psalm 31:14–22 comes after David expressed sorrow over persecution and abandonment. Despite hardship, David tells God he still trusts in Him. He regarded the Lord as the foundation of his confidence. David asks the Lord to be forgiving and merciful, preserving him from the enemies who have attacked him. This passage celebrates God's forgiving nature, while looking back on prior instances of rescue.

Because God has rescued him in the past, David chooses to trust the Lord even when he is in danger. Neighbors and friends may abandon him, and enemies may plot, but David is confident he will be vindicated. He also calls on others to be firm and brave as they choose to trust in God.

David mentions dangers and enemies in this psalm. He may have been referring to besieged cities such as Keilah (1 Samuel 23:1–15) or Ziklag (1 Samuel 30). Despite the plots of his enemies and abandonment by friends, David trusts in the Lord, receives an answer to his prayer, and encourages his fellow believers to love the Lord and be strong. This echoes themes also seen in Psalms 4, 25, and 71.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.