20141222 Monday, December 22 2014
Psalm 031: Trust In the LORD

by Wayne Blank
See also 1 Year Holy Bible Reading Plan

"In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust"

The English words trust and true originated from the same ancient Anglo-Saxon word, trow, which meant to rely on the integrity of someone who is being true to you. The logic is simple - it's impossible to trust someone who you know is untruthful in word or deed. The principle of trust and truth are based upon the Ninth Commandment.

"20:16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour." (Exodus 20:16 KJV)

"Trust" is used to translate a number of original words of the Holy Scriptures, including the Hebrew words pronounced kaw-saw, baw-tawkh, and mib-tawkh - all of which mean to take refuge in. King David expressed his trust of the LORD throughout the Psalms in those and other words that profoundly expressed the reason for trust, not merely trust alone. A few examples:

"9:10 And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee." (Psalm 9:10 KJV)

"18:2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower." (Psalm 18:2 KJV)

"37:5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass." (Psalm 37:5 KJV)

"37:39 But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble. 37:40 And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him." (Psalm 37:39-40 KJV)

"40:4 Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies." (Psalm 40:4 KJV)

"64:10 The righteous shall be glad in the LORD, and shall trust in him; and all the upright in heart shall glory." (Psalm 64:10 KJV)

"91:2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust." (Psalm 91:2 KJV)

Many of the trust in the LORD lessons were learned by David from his exposure to the evil behavior of treacherous, godless men who trusted in their dead-end worldly power. David knew exactly why it's always best to "I have hated them that regard lying vanities: but I trust in the LORD."

"31:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.

In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness. 31:2 Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me. 31:3 For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me. 31:4 Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou art my strength. 31:5 Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.

31:6 I have hated them that regard lying vanities: but I trust in the LORD. 31:7 I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities; 31:8 And hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy: thou hast set my feet in a large room.

31:9 Have mercy upon me, O LORD, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly. 31:10 For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing: my strength faileth because of mine iniquity, and my bones are consumed. 31:11 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. 31:12 I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind: I am like a broken vessel. 31:13 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.

31:14 But I trusted in thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my God. 31:15 My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me. 31:16 Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies' sake. 31:17 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. 31:18 Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.

31:19 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! 31:20 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.

31:21 Blessed be the LORD: for he hath shewed me his marvellous kindness in a strong city. 31:22 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. 31:23 O love the LORD, all ye his saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer. 31:24 Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD." (Psalm 31:1-24 KJV)

Fact Finder: What did the Messiah warn about always basing trust upon His Truth?
See The Messiah's Warning About Christian Charlatans and What Religions Deny That God Exists?