April 10th - Reading 8: Psalms 28-31

“You are my God. My times are in Your hand.” (Psalm 31:14b-15a)

In these Psalms, David not only powerfully reminds us of who our God is, but also why He alone can be trusted with the concerns of our lives: God alone “sat enthroned at the flood; and the Lord sits as King forever” (Psalm 29:10).

David leads by example in choosing to trust, in choosing to put his hope in God alone. David tells us “But as for me, I will trust in You, O Lord; I say ‘You are my God.’ My times are in Your hand” (Psalm 31:14-15). What a place of peace and refuge, a place of trust and rest. Regardless of how uncertain or difficult our circumstances are or may become, we can choose to trust Him as we remind ourselves of this truth: Our times are in His hands.

David ends today’s reading with this encouragement: “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord” (Psalms 31:24). So let us choose to put our hope in the Lord. Then we can be of good courage, because He promises to strengthen us.

The best way to allow Him to strengthen our hearts is to immerse ourselves in His Word. The truth that He works all things together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28) is a wonderful truth to encourage our trust. The fact that He has gone to prepare a place for us (John 14:2) is another reason for hope. The promise that nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39) and that He is with us even to the end of the world (Matthew 28:20) are even more reasons to have hope and not be afraid.

As we read these Psalms to Him, let’s remember these truths: He is sovereign. He is enthroned as King forever. And He is working out His will, in His way, and in His time. May He direct us and fill us with courage as we engage in battle today.