THURSDAY, AUGUST 2
Psalm 31:1-24
2 Samuel 15:1-37

“… though the earth be removed …”

DESERTED BY THE PEOPLE, FORSAKEN BY HIS RELATIVES

The above title describes David’s plight in this Psalm where he says he is a reproach among all his enemies, “but especially among my neighbours, and a fear to mine acquaintance: they that did see me without fled from me” (Ps 31:11). Some commentators think this situation refers to David’s hurried evacuation from the town of Keilah (1 Sam 23:1-13). We take the view of those who believe it is connected rather with David’s running away from Absalom his son.

The coup of Absalom struck terror into his father’s heart, when it was announced that David’s counsellor Ahithophel went over to his side, “and the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom” (2 Sam 15:12). The king’s men who stayed loyal to him could be numbered on the fingers. At such an hour, when the king and his little band of followers were weak and weary, there came Shimei, a member of Saul’s house from the other side of the Mount of Olives, to taunt the king. Although the large-hearted David spared his head, Shimei’s ignominious end under Solomon is recorded in 1 Kings 2:36-46. What a lesson to turncoats and traitors! (Read Proverbs 17:5.)

In the opening prayer to this Psalm, we see David resigned at the outset to his destiny, culminating with “into thine hand I commit my spirit” (Ps 31:5). David could rest assured in God his Saviour. When troubles come, do not panic. Seek help not from friends or experts, horizontally, but from the Almighty, vertically. When you realise that you are in the centre of His care, howsoever fierce the enemy might assail you, you will not be moved.

From prayer and assurance David progresses to testimony. Testimony is sweet sacrifice to God from our lips. Testimony is rendered not to show our goodness but His in delivering us. Testimony, when applied to the hearers, becomes a sermon, a word from the Lord to those similarly affected. It is given above all to glorify God. (Read Psalm 50:23.)

THOUGHT: “When I fear my faith will fail, Christ can hold me fast.”
PRAYER: O Lord, I trust Thou will take care of me.