Words To Live—and Die—by - The One Year Book of Psalms

Psalm 31:1-5

For the choir director: A psalm of David.

1O LORD, I have come to you for protection;

don’t let me be put to shame.

Rescue me, for you always do what is right.

2Bend down and listen to me;

rescue me quickly.

Be for me a great rock of safety,

a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me.

3You are my rock and my fortress.

For the honor of your name, lead me out of this peril.

4Pull me from the trap my enemies set for me,

for I find protection in you alone.

5I entrust my spirit into your hand.

Rescue me, LORD, for you are a faithful God.

The dying words of many saints have often been those of verses 1 and 5 of this psalm.

As Charles V, the Holy Roman Emperor at the time of Martin Luther, neared the last years of his life, he retired to a convent, carrying with him a commentary on Psalm 31:1. He passed his time there transacting official business, studying the Psalms, listening to the choir, and tending his garden. As the time of his death drew near, he asked that the Psalms be read to him. Then he received the Sacrament and said a few words, repeating verse 5 of this psalm. Early the next morning he died.

The great Catholic missionary Francis Xavier also loved Psalm 31. He had planted Christianity in India, Indonesia, and Japan, but his ultimate goal was to bring the gospel to China. Although foreigners entering that country were threatened with death, when he landed on Chinese shores, it was fever that struck him down, not humans. Xavier spent his last hours alone, far from home, and without a human friend. As he lay on his bed, Xavier thought he saw Christ standing and welcoming him with outstretched arms, and he quoted Psalm 31:1.

Like these believers who have gone before us, make this psalm your words to live by.

My God! I love you, not to gain the bliss of your eternal reign,

Nor to escape the fiery lot reserved for those who love you not.

But you, my Jesus, on the tree did in your arms encompass me.

Most loving Jesus, God and King, you are my Source of everything.

ATTRIBUTED TO FRANCIS XAVIER

Fascinating Fact

Jesus and Stephen weren’t the only ones who quoted Psalm 31:5 as they were dying; others included Charlemagne, Thomas À Becket, John Hus, Jerome of Prague, Martin Luther, Philipp Melanchthon, Christopher Columbus, Thomas Cromwell, Lady Jane Grey, Mary Queen of Scots, George Herbert, and John Knox.

Bible Networking

The first half of verse 5 was quoted by Christ on the cross (Luke 23:46) and by Stephen as he was stoned to death (Acts 7:59).