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Experts say some homes built on the west coast of Florida are sinking—because the ground beneath them is giving way. The foundation is made of porous limestone; it holds ground water for while, but when the water flows out, the foundation becomes unstable. Unstable foundations illustrate a truth we find in Psalm 31. The psalmist realized that depending on powerless idols in the time of need was risky. So he rejected any thought of trusting in idols. Instead, he chose to trust in God alone. He prays, “O LORD, I have come to you for protection… Be my rock of protection, a fortress where I will be safe. You are my rock and my fortress. For the honor of your name, lead me out of this danger… I find protection in you alone. I entrust my spirit into your hand. Rescue me, LORD, for you are a faithful God… I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul. You have not handed me over to my enemies but have set me in a safe place” (from vv. 1–8). The psalmist knew that when life’s trials come, there is no safer, stronger, and more reliable refuge for God’s children than God Himself. It can be true for us what Moses told ancient Israel, in Deuteronomy 33:27, “The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you.”
