No Condemnation
https://www.tiktok.com/@debrahillsings
Psalm 31:1-24 (KJV)
For the chief Musician, a Psalm of David
[1] In thee, O LORD , do I put my trust;
Let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.
[2] Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily:
Be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me.
[3] For thou art my rock and my fortress;
Therefore for thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me.
[4] Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me:
For thou art my strength.
[5] Into thine hand I commit my spirit:
Thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.
[6] I have hated them that regard lying vanities:
But I trust in the LORD .
[7] I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy:
For thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities;
[8] And hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy:
Thou hast set my feet in a large room.
[9] Have mercy upon me, O LORD , for I am in trouble:
Mine eye is consumed with grief, yea , my soul and my belly.
[10] For my life is spent with grief,
And my years with sighing:
My strength faileth because of mine iniquity,
And my bones are consumed.
[11] I was a reproach among all mine enemies, but especially among my neighbours,
And a fear to mine acquaintance: they that did see me without fled from me.
[12] I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind:
I am like a broken vessel.
[13] For I have heard the slander of many:
Fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, They devised to take away my life.
[14] But I trusted in thee, O LORD :
I said, Thou art my God.
[15] My times are in thy hand:
Deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.
[16] Make thy face to shine upon thy servant:
Save me for thy mercies’ sake.
[17] 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.
[18] Let the lying lips be put to silence;
Which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.
[19] Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee;
Which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!
[20] Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man:
Thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.
[21] Blessed be the LORD :
For he hath shewed me his marvellous kindness in a strong city.
[22] For I said in my haste,
I am cut off from before thine eyes:
Nevertheless thou heardest the voice of My supplications when I cried unto thee.
[23] O love the LORD , all ye his saints:
For the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.
[24] Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart,
All ye that hope in the LORD.
No Condemnation
Sometimes the pain that we feel, not from the hands of our enemies, but from our own sins, hurt the worst. Faced with self-inflicted burdens, we cry out to God with remorse, full of guilt and shame. In Psalm 31, David weeps from the ravages of his iniquities. But even in this lowly state, he declares God is still with him, his rock and strength (31:2). David still trusts that the Lord will come down to his level, to bow down His ear to listen to him. Imagine that: Even though David had sinned, the God of the Heavens would draw near to him in love and mercy. He will defend him when he is too weak to defend himself. God will give him the strength to break free from the net of his enemies (31:4). “Into thy hands, I commit my spirit,” were also said by Jesus on the cross (32:5).
Jesus was burdened with the sins of the whole world. Like David, He boasts in the strength and power of God who owns our eternal souls. David continues with a declaration that God has redeemed him: “Thou has redeemed me o God of truth” (32:5). Jesus’ blood has also redeemed us from sin. The verses continue with David thanking God for his mercy in times of trouble. It seems he has suffered for years (32:10). His strength faileth because of his iniquities (32:10). He was reproached and feared by his neighbors (32:11). People fled from him and slandered him (32:13). They even devised to take away his life (32:13). Isn’t this usually true when the mighty have fallen? Those that once admired and flocked about him, now point accusing fingers towards him and speak evil against him because of his fall. All want him to die in shame, but David said his life is in God’s hand (32:15).
He asks for God’s face to shine upon him with mercy (32:16). David does not want to remain in a state of shame because he knows his righteousness comes from God. “Let me not be ashamed because I have called on you” (32:17). Let his enemies be silent for they will see God’s goodness. David wistfully speaks of the intimate ways God hid his people in his secret place against their prideful enemies (32:20). “Blessed be the Lord for he has shown me his marvelous kindness in a strong city” (32:21). What an awesome God to care so beautifully for his own, forgiving them and showing tender mercy and grace. David tells us from his own experience of sin and redemption to love the Lord and be of good courage (32:24).
“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). David’s Psalm 31 leaves me thanking Jesus for his sacrifice that I, and all who believe in him, can be saved and redeemed from sin. When I, like David, am faced with the agony of my sin, I strive to quickly and humbly, with godly sorrow, repent. God forgives me, comforts me and is a very present help in my time of trouble. He does not condemn, but with mercy and grace forgives and cleanses me. I know that I am weak but He is strong (2 Corinthians 12:9). All my righteousness is as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). I can boast in my weakness because God’s glory will be revealed as he strengthens me to go on. Thank you Father for reaching down to deliver me and return me gently to your fold if I stray (John 10:16).
I would love to hear what this Psalm brings to mind for you! Write back to me in Facebook comment or blog reply.
Disclaimer: The intention of this project is not to teach, but rather to share. Please use due diligence in studying the word of God, and seek guidance from your local religious leaders for any questions or concerns.
Special Thanks to Elizabeth Baber and Dr. Shakira for all that you do to make it happen.
Debra Hill
Debra Hill is an independent inspirational singer, author, songwriter, and writer. As a blind performer, she adds a personal story of God’s faithfulness. Her life exemplifies that Christ’s power will work to lift all regardless of circumstances.
The Psalms In Your Palm Weekly Series
Tune in every Sunday to read a passage of scripture, hear Debra’s personal thoughts on the reading, and then relate and reflect on the words as you write them into your palm and into your heart.
The Psalms In Your Palm Playlist
Each song is paired with a Sunday Psalm and reflection, blending scripture and sound to inspire peace, understanding and connection.
Join the American Council of the Blind of Virginia’s Email List
As a member of ACBVA, I encourage you to join our email list to be a part of a vibrant community of visually impaired persons, attend informative monthly online meetings, and learn more about important accessible resources.
For those interested in the benefits of the American Council of the Blind of Virginia (ACBVA) organization, you can also become a member, click the link below!
