The words jump off the page because they are so very familiar, indicating that Psalm 31 is a Messianic psalm.

Into Your hand I entrust my spirit . . .

(Psalm 31:5a CSB)

Jesus spoke such words from the cross (Lk. 23:46). Whatever practical circumstance prompted David to write the song, the Spirit prompted him to also foreshadow the Christ. Thus, you can read the psalm extrapolating the inner thoughts of David as the inner thoughts of the promised Son of David — “a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief” (Isa. 53:3), “tested in every way as we are, yet without sin (Heb. 4:15). And once you’ve applied the song to the Savior, it seems to me you can then apply the Savior to your sorrow.

Jesus knew what it was to be disgraced and put to shame (v.1, 17). He knew what it was to have a “troubled soul”, to be “consumed with grief” to the point where His strength had failed (v.8, 10). He experienced what it was to be ridiculed not only by His enemies, but also by those who should have known Him well, his neighbors. So much had the gossip spread, He was even dreaded by those who barely knew Him (v.11, 13). Not only were His “eyes worn out” from the frustration of accusation, His “whole being” was as well. Sapped of strength inside and out.

So, does Jesus know something of what we might endure in our times of disgrace? I’m thinkin’ . . .

So, does Jesus as the perfect man have something to say to us as to how we might endure our seasons of shame? I’m thinkin’ again . . .

But I trust in You, Lord;
I say, “You are my God.”
The course of my life is in Your power; . . .
Make Your face shine on Your servant;
save me by Your faithful love.

Love the Lord, all His faithful ones.
The Lord protects the loyal . . .
Be strong, and let your heart be courageous,
all you who put your hope in the Lord.

(Psalm 31:14-16, 23-24 CSB)

Trust in the Lord. Double-down in declaring He alone is Your God. Know that the course of your life is in His power. Seek afresh the shining countenance of His gracious face, confident in His faithful love.

Love the Lord. As much as lies within you, purpose and persist to continue to walk in faithfulness with Him as your ever-abiding “rock of refuge” and “mighty fortress” confident that He will lead you and guide You for His name’s sake (v.1-3). Be strong, be courageous, put your hope in the Lord.

Somehow an encouragement that the Son of God needed as He walked as the perfect Son of Man through all that surrounded Calvary. Though our cross not comparing with His cross, somehow an encouragement to us in whatever season of distress we might endure as those who know also that “the course of my life is in Your power.”

By His grace. For His glory.