Psalm 31

“For He has made marvelous His lovingkindness to me in a besieged city” (v21). In ancient times, enemies would conquer a walled city by surrounding it for days, weeks, or months, knowing that eventually the citizens (without food or water) would surrender.  The psalmist sometimes felt “cut off” from God (v22), surrounded by conflict, like a city under attack (v9-13).  But the “troubles of his soul” were known to God (v7), and he waited for God to reveal His marvelous lovingkindness.

“Be strong, and let your heart take courage,” (v24) even in a besieged city.  God knows and will come to our help.