Psalm 31:17 Let me not be put to shame, Lord, for I have cried out to you; but let the wicked be put to shame and be silent in the realm of the dead.
Shame is a tough, powerful, negative emotion. Humans often do all kinds of things to avoid feeling shame or having others perceive them as having shame. We bury things that we think will cause shame. We hide them away where they often fester, causing us all kinds of problems later.
Psalm 31:18 Let their lying lips be silenced, for with pride and contempt they speak arrogantly against the righteous.
The first line of verse 17 resonates with me: “Let me not be put to shame, Lord, for I have cried out to you….” Let me not be put to shame that I believe in Your goodness despite all the evil I see. Let me not be put to shame that I trust Your sovereignty even though nothing is going as I think it should. Let me not be put to shame that I find respite and safety in You, despite the storm still raging all around me.
Psalm 31:19 How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you.
Precious Savior, Because we are human, we are prone to shame. Because we are prone to shame, we tend to bury and hide things that cause us great pain later. Be with us, Lord. Help us cry out to You. Let us not be put to shame because of our dependence on You alone. Amen.
Psalm 31:20 In the shelter of your presence you hide them from all human intrigues; you keep them safe in your dwelling from accusing tongues.
Have a blessed day.