Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2492 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before..
In today’s Wisdom Nugget, as we continue our exploration of Psalm 31. Today’s passage, Psalm 31:19-24, takes us from a place of distress to one of praise and confidence in God’s goodness.
In the previous verses, we saw how David poured out his heart to God, pleading for mercy and rescue amid his pain and danger. In these final verses of the psalm, David shifts his focus. He celebrates God’s goodness, faithfulness, and protection, encouraging all who trust in the Lord to take courage and place their hope in Him.
Let’s read Psalm 31:19-24 from the New Living Translation, and then we’ll break it down verse by verse.
Psalm 31:19-24 (NLT)
19 How great is the goodness You have stored up for those who fear You.
You lavish it on those who come to You for protection, blessing them before the watching world.
20 You hide them in the shelter of Your presence, safe from those who conspire against them. You shelter them in Your presence, far from accusing tongues.
21 Praise the Lord, for He has shown me the wonders of His unfailing love.
He kept me safe when my city was under attack.
22 In panic I cried out, “I am cut off from the Lord!” But You heard my cry for mercy and answered my call for help.
23 Love the Lord, all you godly ones! For the Lord protects those who are loyal to Him, but He harshly punishes the arrogant.
24 So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord!
The Goodness of God (Verses 19-20):
David begins this final section of the psalm with a powerful declaration of God’s goodness: “How great is the goodness You have stored up for those who fear You. You lavish it on those who come to You for protection, blessing them before the watching world” (verse 19). After pouring out his heart in the earlier verses, expressing his fears, pain, and distress, David now turns to praise, acknowledging the abundant goodness of God.
God’s goodness isn’t something that’s merely experienced in the abstract or on rare occasions. It’s stored up, waiting for those who fear the Lord and come to Him for protection. There’s an image here of God’s goodness as a treasure, something He’s carefully reserved and prepared for those who seek refuge in Him. This isn’t a meager or stingy supply—it’s lavish, overflowing, and abundant.
David also mentions that this blessing is given “before the watching world.” God’s faithfulness to His people is evident to others. When we trust in the Lord, His goodness and favor in our lives serve as a testimony to those around us. The way God cares for His people shines like a beacon, showing His greatness to the world.
Verse 20 continues this theme: “You hide them in the shelter of Your presence, safe from those who...
