Psalm 31:1-8 “For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David. In you, LORD, I take refuge. Let me never be disappointed. Deliver me in your righteousness. Bow down your ear to me. Deliver me speedily. Be to me a strong rock, a house of defense to save me. For you are my rock and my fortress, therefore for your name’s sake lead me and guide me. Pluck me out of the net that they have laid secretly for me, for you are my stronghold. Into your hand I commend my spirit. You redeem me, LORD, God of truth. I hate those who regard lying vanities, but I trust in the LORD. I will be glad and rejoice in your loving kindness, for you have seen my affliction. You have known my soul in adversities. You have not shut me up into the hand of the enemy. You have set my feet in a large place.”

“Lying vanities” here refers to idols. Not only do we not put our trust in idols, we also don’t follow or trust in those who revere ungodly ideas, philosophies, or beings. Instead, we take refuge in the Lord at all times. He is our rock, our fortress, and our house of defense. He knows everything we are going through, and we can trust in Him. Jesus quotes from this Psalm while He was on the cross:

Luke 23:46 “Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!’ Having said this, he breathed his last.”

How significant is it that Jesus, when He was dying, expressed His complete trust in God? It’s like He didn’t see death as a defeat, but a victory! We see this same trust exhibited by Stephen:

Acts 7:59 “They stoned Stephen as he called out, saying, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!’”

For additional worship: Rock of Ages (Norton Hall Band)