What is the meaning of Psalm 31:7? I will be glad and rejoice • David makes a deliberate choice of joy, not a reaction to changing circumstances. • This resolve echoes Psalm 5:11, “Let all who take refuge in You rejoice.” • Joy is anchored in the Lord’s presence (Psalm 16:11) and endures even in trial (James 1:2). • Rejoicing is an act of trust, much like Paul’s “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4). in Your loving devotion • The source of gladness is God’s loyal love—His unbreakable covenant faithfulness (Psalm 32:10). • This love is active and steadfast, as first revealed to Moses: “abounding in loving devotion and truth” (Exodus 34:6). • Because God’s character never changes (Malachi 3:6), His devotion is a sure foundation for praise (Lamentations 3:22-23). for You have seen my affliction • God’s love is not distant; He “sees” His people’s suffering just as He saw Israel’s bondage in Egypt (Exodus 3:7). • The all-seeing Lord notices every tear (Psalm 56:8) and watches over the righteous (Psalm 34:15). • Knowing we are seen brings comfort and courage, replacing isolation with divine companionship (2 Chronicles 16:9). You have known the anguish of my soul • God’s knowledge is intimate—He “searches me and knows me” (Psalm 139:1-4). • He understands internal agony others might miss, for He “is near to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18). • Christ Himself “was despised and rejected… a man of sorrows” (Isaiah 53:3) and now sympathizes with our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15). • Because He knows, He provides real help (Psalm 46:1) and guarantees that nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39). summary Psalm 31:7 is a personal declaration of joy rooted in God’s steadfast love, a love proven by His attentive eye and compassionate understanding of every hurt. David’s words invite believers to rejoice, confident that the Lord both sees and knows every affliction, and that His unwavering devotion is more than enough to sustain a glad heart. |