Psalm 31 is a plaintive song, a cry to God from a troubled soul. Charles Spurgeon says that the Psalm’s dedication “For the Choir Director” gives a death blow to the notion that nothing but praise should be sung in worship. Since it is “through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22), we learn from songs like this both the normalcy of trials, and how God would have us seek Him in the midst of them.
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SHELTER FOR MY SOUL (PSALM 31)
I seek, O Lord, to hide in You
And trust my hope’s not vain
As You are righteous, pull me through
Don’t let me be ashamed
Incline your ear to hear my cry
And answer me with speed
Yes, be to me a rock of strength
The refuge that I need
With kindness that befits Your name
Your hand has guided me
From evil plots and secret aims
You’ve kept me safely free
So here again I yield my life
I’m under Your control
Please be to me the rock I need
A shelter for my soul
I’m trusting You, O faithful God
My fate is in Your power
I need Your help, I need it now
I need You every hour
Have mercy on me, Faithful One
I’m broken and abused
My eyes are dim, my body’s numb
My mind is so confused
My days are dark, my years a sigh
My heart is in distress
Please be to me the peace I need
Good Savior, give me rest
My neighbors shy away from me
When I go in the street
It seems I make an enemy
Of everyone I meet
I’m slandered and defamed abroad
By those who wish me dead
Please be to me a shield of strength
The lifter of my head
I hate those who reject You, God
Who trust in idols vain
Lord, bring them down into the ground
And let them feel their shame
Shine upon me, God of grace
From Heaven’s height above
And let Your servant see Your face
Oh, let me feel Your love
I know what stores of goodness wait
For those who show You fear
I know there’ll be a hiding place
Wherever You are near
Now love the Lord, you godly ones
Be strong and firm of heart
Sheltered from their striving tongues
You won’t be torn apart
For God preserves His faithful sons
And hems them in around
And in the course of due reward
He tears the wicked down
I’m trusting You, O faithful God
My fate is in Your power
I need Your help, I need it now
I need You every hour
I’m trusting You, O faithful God
My fate is in Your power
I need Your help, I need it now
I need You every hour
I need You every hour
