Psalm 31
-Theme: Complete devotion to the LORD and dependence on Him will carry us through times of stress. We will never be ashamed in the long run if we turn to God and trust in His deliverance.
-*Application* Commit your spirit to Him and He will provide you with a safe place, rescue, guidance, and strength. Turn away from temporary fixes; these are vain (empty) idols. Our trust must be in the LORD who sees our affliction and has lovingkindness (mercy) to save us from misery and troubles. Our sin can take us to many and varied undesired results. We must cry out to a God of lovingkindness so that we will not be put to shame. The wicked will speak with lying lips; they will speak arrogantly with pride and contempt. In other words, they see no reason and no have desire to humble themselves before God and turn to Him. These will eventually be put to shame. Understand the two natures that are set against each other, the wicked verses the righteous. The LORD will take up for us if we are righteous and keep us in His shelter, even in a besieged city. God hears when we cry out to Him. Love Him and hope in Him alone!
Psalm 32
-This is the Psalm that began to turn the heart of Martin Luther as he began to understand that the righteous are justified by their faith in the LORD and nothing else. “How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered! How blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute (place upon) iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit (Psalm 32:1-2)!” “Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but he who trusts in the LORD, lovingkindness shall surround him. Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous ones; and shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart (Psalm 32:10-11).” From here he begins to understand that it is God who can cleanse us and make us whole. The teaching of the church had become so corrupted to the point that they were teaching salvation by good works and payments (indulgences). This Old Testament passage began the awakening in the reformation that changed the course of Christian history and brought people back to God’s Word for truth and justification. Luther’s conversion depended on God’s revelation.
-Theme: Forgiveness brings true joy and only comes from the lovingkindness (mercy and grace) of God. He is the One who releases us from guilt and gives us righteousness.
-*Application* Here in this chapter we see the road to forgiveness, restoration, and spiritual new birth. There first must be a recognition of sin in our lives and an acknowledgement of it along with confession to the LORD (Psalm 32:3-5). This allows the LORD to forgive us and impute (place upon) us His righteousness that comes ultimately through our faith in His plan for salvation, namely Jesus Christ the crucified and resurrected Messiah who was perfect and God in the flesh (Acts 4:10-12, Romans 10:9-10). You can earnestly pray to the LORD and He will in no way cast you out (Psalm 32:6, John 6:37). He is our deliverance!
Psalm 33
-Theme: God is our Creator who is worthy of our trust and praise. He is faithful and His Word is dependable allowing us to rejoice and sing giving thanks and praise.
-*Application* Lean on God’s counsel for your every endeavor in life. He sees all things and understands in His omniscience. God is for those who fear Him and hope in Him. His power is sufficient!
Verse to Memorize: Psalm 32:1
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