David’s Response to His Rejection
August 4, 2019
Commentary
This passage begins with the phrase “My times are in thy hand” (v. 15). David was expressing his belief that all of life’s circumstances are under God’s control. Knowing this enables us to keep steady in our faith regardless of our circumstances. It keeps us from sinning foolishly by taking matters into our own hands or resenting God’s timetable. We find David praying for deliverance (vv. 16-18). He prays that God will save him and silence his enemies. His kingdom may have fallen apart but he still had God, whose promise set him on the throne and whose power can set him back there.
Next David turns from prayer to praise (vv. 19-20). He paints a beautiful picture of the protection of God for His own “from the strife of tongues.” He had suffered much in his life from gossipers. His critics were unmerciful, malicious and persistent. David discovered that he could hide in God’s presence from all such people. He celebrates the goodness and protecting love of his Lord. God heard His servants petition and granted his request (vv. 21-22).
When it comes to critics there is no use of answering such people. Anything you say will simply be twisted and distorted. Turn all of their slander over to the Lord. Let Him comfort you and at the same time let Him take care of those who would maliciously wound you with their tongue.
David admits that his faith had wavered. Now in coming back to the Lord, he admits that he spoke too hastily (v. 22). This is something that each one of us needs to admit from time to time. On the basis of what he had learned about the Lord’s deliverance of the faithful, he encouraged the saints to be strong in their faith and hope in the Lord (vv. 23-24). He actually challenges the saints of God to renewed love, courage and hope.
Application
I can think of times when I have spoken too hastily to my critics and said things that it would have been just as well that I had left unsaid?”
Psalms 31:15– 24 (NET)
15 You determine my destiny. Rescue me from the power of my enemies and those who chase me.
16 Smile on your servant. Deliver me because of your faithfulness.
17 O Lord, do not let me be humiliated, for I call out to you. May evil men be humiliated. May they go wailing to the grave.
18 May lying lips be silenced— lips that speak defiantly against the innocent with arrogance and contempt.
19 How great is your favor, which you store up for your loyal followers. In plain sight of everyone you bestow it on those who take shelter in you.
20 You hide them with you, where they are safe from the attacks of men; you conceal them in a shelter, where they are safe from slanderous attacks.
21 The Lord deserves praise for he demonstrated his amazing faithfulness to me when I was besieged by enemies.
22 I jumped to conclusions and said, “I am cut off from your presence!” But you heard my plea for mercy when I cried out to you for help.
23 Love the Lord, all you faithful followers of his! The Lord protects those who have integrity, but he pays back in full the one who acts arrogantly.
24 Be strong and confident, all you who wait on the Lord.