We have been studying the truths of Psalm 31 for several weeks now.  Many believe it is a Mosaic painting of the past dealings of Absalom’s attempt to take the kingdom from David.  We have already studied ‘The Stanza Of Strength’ (Vs. 1-4), ‘The Stanza Of The Sovereign’ (Vs. 8), and ‘The Stanza Of Sorrow’ (Vs. 9-13).

Let us look this week at ‘The Stanza Of Supplication’ in verse 14-18 which says, “But I trusted in thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my God.  My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me. Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies’ sake. Let me not be ashamed, O LORD; for I have called upon thee: let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave. Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.”

In this prayer I see “Prayer For Victory Over His Enemies”.  In verse 14 we find ‘The Confidence In This Victory’.  David testifies of his ‘trust’ in the LORD God.  The word ‘trust’ means to put all the confidence in and to hide for a refuge.  David uses two names for God.  He uses ‘LORD’ which is His covenant name for the promise keeping God, then the word ‘God’ or ‘Elohim’, which is the name for the creator.  What a place to hide our total confidence in but the LORD God who made all things.  David testifies of his personal possession in the words, “Thou art my…”

In verse 15 of this supplication we find ‘The Cause Of This Victory’.  David claims his times are in the hands of the LORD God. Oh how this verse speaks of the sovereign arbitrator of all our destinies.  We can rest in the one whom by His providence guides us into His desired haven.  He is the only one who can deliver us from the hands of our persecuting enemies.  We need not despair but pillow our head on the God who controls all things for our good and His glory.

In verse 16a David speaks of ‘The Clarity From This Victory’.  He asked for the face of God to shine upon his servant.  The face of God speaks of His manifested presence.  David’s cry is for God to make it clear to all who has won.  Oh how I look forward to the day when our God will make it clear to all that the victory has already been won.

In verse 16b we see in this Stanza Of Supplication ‘The Continuance Of This Victory’.  David rests all his saving on the mercies of God.  There is not a greater place to rest our case for victory then at His throne of mercy.  Mercy is God withholding from us what we deserve.

In verses 17-18 we see a ‘Prayer For Vengeance For His Enemies’.  Let us remember that vengeance belongs to the LORD and He will repay.  In verse 17a we see ‘A Shameful Vengeance’.  David says LORD because I have called upon you let me not be ashamed but let my enemies be ashamed.  The word ‘ashamed’ means to be disappointed by confounding and long delay.  Lord let them look for your help and let it never arrive.  In verses 17b-18 we see ‘A Silencing Vengeance’.  David here asks for his enemies to be silenced in the grave and their slandering lips to be forever shut.

How the world slanders and attacks the people of God.  Let us put our trust in the God who has all our times in His hands.

I have read the last chapter of the great book we call the Bible and we won.  It was decided before the world ever began that God and His people would be the victor and not the victim.

The statement “My times are in thy hand” was once in need of being translated by an African missionary by the name of Don Crawford.  Because of the language he was forced to translate it in this way, “All my life’s ways and when’s and wherefores are in God’s hands!”

Let us rest all our victories and thoughts of vengeance in the hands of our LORD God.