Chapter Summary

David implores God's help against enemies and extols God for his preservation.

Discussion Questions for Psalms, Chapter 31

1. What does it mean for The Lord to do something for His name’s sake? How is The Lord being for Himself the best thing He could do for us?
2. Why is Paul able to commit his spirit into God’s hands? How does this reason serve as a foundation for you personally? How can this give us strength and peace to surrender all of who we are to The Lord?
3. Psalm 31:6, "I hate those who pay regard to worthless idols, but I trust in the LORD."(ESV) How does this parallel with the words of Jesus in the New Testament that say "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you"? (Matthew 5:43-44, ESV)
4. Knowing The Lord saw his pain and affliction gave David endurance to "rejoice and be glad". (vs. 7, ESV) How does The Lord’s steadfast love give you endurance? What is it like for you to trust in this love when affliction is heavy?
5. Verses 9-10 paint a vulnerable picture of David’s heart. What is it like seeing David speak to The Lord in this way? What is it like for you to be vulnerable with The Lord about your heart?
6. Verses 11-13 suggest that David felt alone and abandoned in his sorrow. What difference does it make to have a strong community or close friendships when you are going through trials?
7. Psalm 31:18, "Let the lying lips be mute, which speak insolently against the righteous in pride and contempt." (ESV) From what we see in this chapter, what heart posture does David have as he makes this request? What can we take away from making such requests to The Lord?
8. Psalm 31:20, "In the cover of your presence you hide them from the plots of men; you store them in your shelter from the strife of tongues." (ESV) How can we take shelter in The Lord’s presence when others speak harshly against us? If you were to "build" this shelter in your mind, what would it look like? How can you have that image stored up to reflect on whenever your heart needs to find refuge from harsh words?
9. Psalm 31:23, "Love the LORD, all you his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful but abundantly repays the one who acts in pride." (ESV) How has The Lord preserved you this week? How has He equipped you to entrust vengeance to Him?
10. It can be hard to wait on The Lord. How does this chapter impact the way we perceive such waiting? What can be learned from David’s heart posture before The Lord in his time of waiting?

Key Words/Phrase

Trouble, v. 9.

Characters

God, David.

Strong Verse(s)

19, 20, 24.