Psalms 31:14
But I trusted in thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my God.
Original Language Analysis
עָלֶ֣יךָ
H5921
עָלֶ֣יךָ
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 7
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
בָטַ֣חְתִּי
But I trusted
H982
בָטַ֣חְתִּי
But I trusted
Strong's:
H982
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure
יְהוָ֑ה
in thee O LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
in thee O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Psalms 18:2The 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.Psalms 43:5Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.Psalms 140:6I said unto the LORD, Thou art my God: hear the voice of my supplications, O LORD.Matthew 26:42He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.Psalms 63:1O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;Matthew 26:39And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
Historical Context
Turn from lament to trust follows standard Hebrew psalm pattern. This structure teaches Israel—and church—that honest acknowledgment of suffering should culminate in faith's affirmation, not despair's capitulation.
Confession Thou art my God echoes covenant formulas throughout Scripture. God's promise to Abraham: I will be your God (Genesis 17:7). For Christians, this culminates in Christ, Immanuel—God with us. Reformers insisted saving faith includes fiducia (trust/confidence), not merely notitia (knowledge) or assensus (assent).
Questions for Reflection
- What enables David to pivot from lament to trust, and what does this teach about processing suffering?
- How does focusing on faith's object (God's character) rather than feelings affect confidence?
- What is significance of moving from believing God exists to confessing Thou art my God?
- In what current circumstances do you need to deliberately choose trust despite negative feelings?
- How does covenant theology provide foundation for trusting God through trials?
Analysis & Commentary
But I trusted in thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my God. After thirteen verses of lament, David pivots with but, introducing faith response that transforms perspective. This demonstrates Reformed conviction about trust as appropriate response to all circumstances, grounded in God's covenant relationship.
But I trusted signals decisive turn. Hebrew batach means to trust, feel safe, be confident. Despite slander, isolation, physical weakness, death threats—despite darkness of verses 9-13—David chooses trust. This is volitional faith, not emotional optimism. Trusting God doesn't require feeling good; it requires fixing confidence on God's character despite circumstances.
In thee emphasizes object of trust. David doesn't trust own resilience, potential allies, or changed circumstances. Trust terminates on God Himself—God's character, promises, power, covenant faithfulness. Reformed theology insists saving faith's object, not strength, secures salvation. Weak trust in strong God saves; strong trust in weak object damns.
O LORD invokes covenant name YHWH. I said, Thou art my God marks personal appropriation of covenant. David moves from Israel's God to my God—from general theology to personal relationship. Personal faith appropriates covenant promises: God is not only Savior in general but my Savior in particular.