Matthew Henry wrote the following on January 1, 1713: “Firmly believing that my times are in God’s hand, I here submit myself and all my affairs for the ensuing year, to the wise and gracious disposal of God’s divine providence. Whether God appoints for me health or sickness, peace or trouble, comforts or crosses, life or death— may His holy will be done!” David wrote, “But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in Your hand; Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, And from those who persecute me. Make Your face shine upon Your servant; Save me for Your mercies’ sake. Do not let me be ashamed, O Lord, for I have called upon You; Let the wicked be ashamed; Let them be silent in the grave. Let the lying lips be put to silence, Which speak insolent things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous” (Psalm 31:14-18). Let me point out three thoughts from this psalm.

First, there is the trusting prayer: note David’s overcoming greatness (Psalm 31:1-8). We discover the source of David’s overcoming greatness in Acts 13:22, “And when He had removed (Saul), He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.’” David’s life was marked by a deep trust in God. The key to overcoming greatness is a genuine faith in God. Charles H. Spurgeon concludes, “If we believe that all our times are in God’s hand, we shall be expecting great things from our heavenly Father. When we get into a difficulty we shall say, ‘I am now going to see the wonders of God, and to learn again how surely he delivers them that trust in him.’”

Second, there is the troublesome practice: note David’s overwhelming grief (Psalm 31:9-13). David’s life was far from trouble free. Believers should expect to have their share of trials, tragedies, and troubles. Missionary pioneer, J. Hudson Taylor, said, “Ill that God blesses is good, and unblest good is ill, and all is right that seems most wrong if it be His sweet will.” From David we learn that even in the will of God there are times of crying and sighing and sometimes we should grieve over our own spiritual condition.

Third, there is the triumphant praise: note David’s overflowing gratitude (Psalm 31:19-24). Alexander Maclaren explains, “The psalmist has been absorbed with his own troubles till now, but thankfulness expands his vision, and suddenly there is with him a multitude of fellow-dependents on God’s goodness. He hungers alone, but he feasts in company.” Triumphant praise of our great and mighty God, both private and public, provide the believer with a renewed strength, a restored soul, and a refreshed spirit.

What a blessing for all believers, knowing your times are in God’s hand.