Psalm 31 is a powerful source of guidance in times of crisis. Traditionally, it has been used in Psalm magic to ease distress, foster tolerance, escape scandal, and silence gossip. Today, we’ll focus on how Psalm 31 can help bring clarity and resolution during turbulent moments in life.
The practice of Psalm magic is simple yet transformative. It begins with speaking the psalm aloud in full as an incantation, allowing its words to resonate deeply. Then, we revisit the psalm verse by verse, reflecting on its hidden meanings and applying its wisdom to our challenges. This process provides insight and plants seeds of transformation, leading to meaningful change.
If you’re facing turmoil, Psalm 31 may be precisely what you need. Let’s explore its inner meanings and use its magic to bring peace and resolution.
Psalm 31
1 In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed:
deliver me in thy righteousness.
2 Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily:
be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me.
3 For thou art my rock and my fortress;
therefore for thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me.
4 Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me:
for thou art my strength.
5 Into thine hand I commit my spirit:
thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth.
6 I have hated them that regard lying vanities:
but I trust in the Lord.
7 I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy:
for thou hast considered my trouble;
thou hast known my soul in adversities;
8 and hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy:
thou hast set my feet in a large room.
9 Have mercy upon me, O Lord, for I am in trouble:
mine eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly.
10 For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing:
my strength faileth because of mine iniquity,
and my bones are consumed.
11 I was a reproach among all mine enemies,
but especially among my neighbours, and a fear to mine acquaintance:
they that did see me without fled from me.
12 I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind:
I am like a broken vessel.
13 For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side:
while they took counsel together against me,
they devised to take away my life.
14 But I trusted in thee, O Lord:
I said, Thou art my God.
15 My times are in thy hand:
deliver me from the hand of mine enemies,
and from them that persecute me.
16 Make thy face to shine upon thy servant:
save me for thy mercies’ sake.
17 Let me not be ashamed, O Lord; for I have called upon thee:
let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave.
18 Let the lying lips be put to silence;
which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.
19 Oh how great is thy goodness,
which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee;
which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!
20 Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man:
thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.
21 Blessed be the Lord:
for he hath shewed me his marvellous kindness in a strong city.
22 For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes:
nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee.
23 O love the Lord, all ye his saints:
for the Lord preserveth the faithful,
and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.
24 Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart,
all ye that hope in the Lord.
Breaking Down Psalm 31 Verse-by-Verse
1 In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed:
Deliver me in thy righteousness. The Lord, in the King James version of the Bible, means the Tetragrammaton (YHVH), which, in Psalm Magic is merely a symbol for the singular power, source, and force underlying the universe. This force is unmatched and unchallengeable. There is no duality, no multiplicity of powers—only one true power. Anything that appears as a conflict or a multitude of forces is merely an illusion of separation. The Lord embodies unity, the one ultimate force. When we align ourselves with this truth, we understand that nothing can stand against it. Whatever this force supports cannot be opposed, and it is always for us, as it is our Creator.
"In Thee, O Lord, do I put my trust." This psalm reminds us not to rely on our limited strength, cunning, or abilities. While these qualities can serve a purpose, they are tools of the Lord, not substitutes for divine power. Instead, we are called to place our complete trust in the one true power--the Infinite--for it is the only source of success and fulfillment.
In the ancient Near East, shame was more than an emotion—it was a sentence of social death. To be ashamed meant to be ostracized, cut off, and left in utter isolation. It represented a profound severance from one’s community. Imagine the imagery of the Hanged Man in tarot; it captures the essence of shame in this ancient context. When we pray, "Let me never be ashamed," we are pleading never to be cast out, never to feel disconnected from the unity, protection, and grace of the divine.
"Deliver me in thy righteousness" calls upon God's infinite truth and mercy. In psalmic understanding, God's name here represents infinite truth—boundless mercy and compassion, aligning with the concept of Chesed, the sphere of loving-kindness in the Qabalistic Tree. We recognize that our source, the essence of who we are, is rooted in righteousness: correct, accurate, and aligned with divine truth. Another way to express this plea is, "Deliver me in your truth." It is a call to be guided and sustained by the infinite truth of the Creator, the power unifying all.
2 Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily:
be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me. Bow down Your ear to me; deliver me swiftly.
This phrase is a poetic image, portraying the infinite bending down to listen. Of course, the divine doesn’t need to bow down—It already hears you fully. It knows all, hears all, and is all.
"Deliver me speedily" conveys a sense of urgency, a cry from the heart in times of crisis. It reflects our human need to call for immediate help. While God doesn’t need to be reminded of what is happening or what must be done, the fact that we are asking—or expressing urgency—connects us to the divine in our moment of need. The image of the rock is continued in the next verse.
3 For thou art my rock and my fortress;
therefore for thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me.
This verse reminds us of the infinite’s true essence—a steadfast foundation and an unwavering protector. Like an unyielding rock, our guide is ever-present, dependable, and unshakable in the face of life’s uncertainties.
When you feel as though the ground beneath you is shifting, caught in a storm of chaos and doubt, remember this: the infinite is a rock, vast and immovable. It offers a foundation so secure that no force can dislodge it. Let your faith reflect this same unshakable strength, grounded in the certainty of that foundation.
We are called to place our trust in the infinite, surrendering to its wisdom instead of imposing our own will. To do otherwise is to weaken the very trust we rely upon.
“Therefore, for thy name’s sake, lead and guide me.” This is a wise and humble prayer, acknowledging that the infinite works through us. Ask to be led, to be guided. Seek clarity on your path—when to act, when to speak, when to remain silent, and when to simply be still. Trust in the infinite, and it will illuminate the way forward.
4 Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me:
for thou art my strength.
The "they" in this verse can represent many things: the people you conflict with, the challenging circumstances of your crisis, or even the inner workings of your own mind that have contributed to the situation.
We all have that part of our mind—often called the ego—programmed for self-destruction. In this sense, we are not only ensnared by external forces but also by our internal struggles. Regardless of who or what "they" represent, this plea calls for deliverance.
The imagery here is powerful, invoking the feeling of being prey caught by a cunning hunter. It paints the crisis as a trap that we cannot escape on our own. In our moment of vulnerability, we turn to infinite intelligence, to a higher power, asking for intervention and restoration. This is a call to realign ourselves and find strength in something greater to set things right.
5 Into thine hand I commit my spirit:
thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth.
For those with a Christian background, you might recall the moment in the New Testament when the main character, Jesus, cried out from the cross. Why did he do this? Because Jesus, as portrayed in that book, was a master of the Psalms. Time and again, significant events followed his recitation of a psalm.
And so, we draw from that same tradition here. Let this declaration guide you, whatever your burden, your crisis, or your "cross" may be: "Into Your hands, I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord, God of truth." Here, the "God of truth" is also the God of Chesed—the divine mercy found on the fourth sphere of the Qabalistic Tree. This is the God of compassion, deliverance, salvation, abundance, prosperity, and all that is good.
6 I have hated them that regard lying vanities:
but I trust in the Lord.
In the Psalms, "hating" refers to turning away from or disassociating from something. It calls us to reject everything rooted in "lying vanity," particularly the falsehoods within ourselves. But what does "lying vanity" mean in the context of a problem or crisis?
Lying vanity is the belief that we should have all the answers—that we must know how to solve the problem on our own, know exactly what’s happening, or figure it all out ourselves. These are illusions because, in truth, we don’t understand. We only perceive what we think the issue is based on our limited understanding. If we truly knew how to resolve it, we would have already done so.
Instead of clinging to these false certainties, we must let go of our ideas and admit, "I don’t know." Acknowledging this truth opens the door to something greater. We can turn to infinite intelligence for guidance when we release the need to control or predict. We disassociate our minds from preconceived notions of how the problem will be solved and instead place our trust in the Lord. As the Psalms remind us, we should trust not in ourselves but in the Lord.
7 I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy:
for thou hast considered my trouble;
thou hast known my soul in adversities;
It’s essential to understand that the Infinite is always aware of you—every moment, without exception. It thinks of you constantly and does so with love.
Part of this love is granting you the freedom to make your own choices. When you seek help, the Infinite is ready to respond, offering guidance and support—provided you ask for it and remain open to receiving it. However, the moment you rely on "lying vanities"—convincing yourself you’ve got everything under control, saying, “I’ll handle this. I know what I’m doing. I’ll fix it myself”—the Infinite must step back and wait for you.
This is a powerful reminder that the Infinite knows you, understands your situation, and holds the solution. It’s already taken care of. The key is to trust, step aside, and allow divine intelligence to guide you rather than trying to force things on your own.
8 and hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy:
thou hast set my feet in a large room.
The large room represents a place of true freedom. Its vastness symbolizes opportunity—a space where you’re no longer confined or held captive by “the enemy.” In other words, you’re no longer imprisoned by the crisis that once constrained you. You’ve been set free.
But this freedom isn’t precarious; you’re not cast out into the wilderness to fend for yourself. Instead, you’re placed in a haven—a sanctuary. This large room offers not only safety but also boundless freedom. It’s a space where you’re free to be, do, and achieve anything you desire, all while knowing you are protected and secure.
9 Have mercy upon me, O Lord, for I am in trouble:
mine eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly.
Isn’t it powerful to acknowledge when you’re in trouble instead of pretending everything is okay? That’s the opposite of toxic positivity. Toxic positivity denies you the space to express pain or hardship—it’s the belief that you must always present a positive front, saying, “I can’t admit I’m sick, upset, or struggling because I need to stay positive.”
But in the Psalms, there is no pretending. You name your pain. You sit with it if you need to. You cry out; you gnash your teeth. You confront it because avoiding it only lets it linger. As the saying goes, “What you resist persists.” So, when the psalmist prays, “Have mercy upon me, O Lord, for I am in trouble,” they’re not hiding the struggle. They’re naming it, trusting that the Lord, the source of mercy, will provide relief. They affirm that help is already arriving—even fully provided for—they just need to accept it.
“Mine eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly.” What a vivid image. When your eyes are consumed with grief, everything you see is reframed by sorrow. Your soul feels heavy, and your body carries its weight. If you’ve ever lost someone, whether through death or the end of a relationship, you’ve likely felt this. Every song you hear seems to echo your mourning. Every place you look reminds you of your pain. Grief can consume your perspective, making everything you experience a reflection of that loss.
But here’s the key: while feeling and expressing your pain is essential, you also want to be released from it. The Psalms give us a path for this. They teach us not to deny or bury our grief but to bring it before God, trust in divine mercy, and allow healing to unfold. They remind us that while we might be consumed by sorrow for a time, we are not meant to live there and can be released.
10 For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing:
my strength faileth because of mine iniquity,
and my bones are consumed.
When you're in the midst of a crisis, it can feel all-consuming, as if there's no end in sight. Every part of your being seems engulfed in turmoil—grief, fear, mourning, or despair. It’s as though there’s no corner of yourself untouched by the weight of it all. Acknowledging this truth, being honest about the depth of your pain, creates space for something greater—the infinite—to step in and lift you out of the darkness. It’s about recognizing the struggle but choosing to release it, no longer holding on to the anguish.
11 I was a reproach among all mine enemies,
but especially among my neighbours, and a fear to mine acquaintance:
they that did see me without fled from me.
The few people who haven’t abandoned me out of frustration or fear due to my negativity—those who have chosen to stay despite how difficult I’ve been—are finding it almost unbearable to be around me now. I am consumed by misery. I genuinely need help.
12 I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind:
I am like a broken vessel.
In moments of deep crisis, there’s often no one who can genuinely help you except the infinite. When you're utterly broken—like a shattered vessel—you realize that no human effort alone can mend you. I was reflecting on this recently, recalling a time in my own life when I was utterly consumed by something overwhelming. I remember thinking, “I am just a hollow shell of myself, a broken version of who I once was.”
Through psalms like this, I found the strength to rise again. If you’ve ever faced those moments of profound brokenness, you know exactly what I mean. Even if your current crisis doesn’t feel as devastating, acknowledging that you are like a broken vessel can bring clarity. It’s a reminder that you don’t have to shoulder everything alone. If fixing it were entirely up to you, you would have already done it. Recognizing this truth opens the door to grace, healing, and being helped beyond what you can do alone.
13 For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side:
while they took counsel together against me,
they devised to take away my life.
If you’ve come to the psalm seeking help in the face of gossip, whisper campaigns, or conspiracies, this speaks directly to that situation. However, this message applies even in a general crisis unrelated to such things. And if people gossip about you, it’s worth noting that the external slander often mirrors internal battles within our minds.
Ego-driven thought patterns—those “heathen” or errant thoughts—can be as harmful as external attacks. They slander us internally, think ill of us, and seem intent on our destruction. Often, the real threat isn’t external; it’s internal. The call, as they say, is coming from inside the house. Recognizing this is crucial because these thoughts sow the seeds of fear, self-doubt, and self-sabotage, eroding our sense of life and vitality.
This is the insanity of the ego. It’s like a parasite on a host, bent on destruction. Yet, when the host is destroyed, the ego has no place to exist. In this way, the ego’s mission is ultimately self-defeating—a suicide mission rooted in pure madness. Trying to make sense of it is futile because the ego defies logic and reason. Instead of attempting to untangle its patterns, the true solution lies in surrender—bringing these thoughts to the infinite, where they can be healed and transformed.
14 But I trusted in thee, O Lord:
I said, Thou art my God.
There is only one—one source, one essence. Nothing stands apart from it or opposes it. To recognize this, to truly understand it, is to realize that everything is interconnected. The Creator is not separate from me; I am a direct extension of it. Within this unity lies the space where we are one, and it is in this oneness that all healing begins. I must center my mind on this truth.
15 My times are in thy hand:
deliver me from the hand of mine enemies,
and from them that persecute me.
The phrase “them that persecute me” symbolizes the challenges or struggles you face, whether internal or external. These persecutions represent your burdens—the problems weighing on your heart.
When someone visits the ER, they aren’t expected to administer their IV, monitor their vitals, or conduct their scans. Those tasks are entrusted to skilled professionals. Similarly, during times of crisis, allowing yourself to be supported and cared for is essential. Taking everything on yourself can often hinder the process of healing and resolution.
Trust that the Infinite is already at work, gently guiding you toward recovery. On a practical level, if professionals are involved in helping you through this situation, allow them the space to do their work effectively. By doing so, you will receive the care and assistance you need.
16 Make thy face to shine upon thy servant:
save me for thy mercies’ sake.
The infinite is always ready, patiently waiting. It says, "I am here for you but cannot act against your will. By asking, you express your willingness for me to help—to “save me for your mercy’s sake.”
17 Let me not be ashamed, O Lord; for I have called upon thee:
let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave.
The "wicked" in this context represents the troubling thoughts in your mind that are fueling this crisis. Let me be clear—it's not your fault that you're experiencing this. However, these persistent thoughts, the ones keeping you tied to this turmoil, must be addressed. Once they are resolved, the crisis will dissolve. It will disappear entirely, regardless of what anyone else says or does. That’s the transformative power of this process.
I remind myself that I have nothing to be ashamed of. I am a pure expression of divinity. Whatever I may have said or done in the past occurred only within the confines of this distorted illusion we call three-dimensional reality. In truth, I am one with the infinite. In that eternal, boundless reality, I am at peace and in harmony with everyone and everything in existence.
That is the reality of the genuine universe, not this false, fleeting world around us. So, I will not let shame define me or mistake this illusory reality as the truth of who I am. "Oh Lord, for I have called upon Thee. Let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave." Let all the elements of this problem, this superficial drama of a fabricated world, deal with themselves. I am choosing to align with Your world—a realm of eternal perfection. There, all is whole, all is right, and all is permanently perfect.
18 Let the lying lips be put to silence;
which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.
How often do we treat ourselves with contempt, disregarding our worth entirely? But now, you’re making a choice—this ends here. From this moment on, you refuse to harbor self-contempt. Instead, you allow infinite intelligence to replace those harsh, critical thoughts with ones rooted in perfection and truth—the truth that reflects your divine essence.
In this context, Truth is one of God's names. Infinite truth is the ultimate reality governing your body, mind, and life. This understanding becomes the cornerstone of your perspective: no matter what you or others think or say, infinite intelligence and Divine Truth will always remain the ultimate reality.
19 Oh how great is thy goodness,
which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee;
which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!
To fear Infinite Truth is to recognize its presence. In that presence, you experience ecstasy—a profound connection to the infinite working through you. When the infinite moves through you, your problems lose weight; they cease to exist. In that moment, the crisis ends.
The fear of the Lord holds immense power because it transforms our understanding of fear itself. To fear God is not to be consumed by dread but to embrace a profound reverence that eclipses all other fears. With the fear of God, there is nothing left to fear in the world.
This fear is not the pain-laden fear we typically know; it is a fear without suffering—a state of awe so pure it becomes ecstasy.
20 Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man:
thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.
The Infinite offers a sanctuary of safety and reassurance in uncertain times. It is a haven untouched by conflict, worry, or turmoil—a space where challenges cannot reach you. Within its embrace, you’ll find peace and tranquility, shielded from the chaos of the outside world.
21 Blessed be the Lord:
for he hath shewed me his marvellous kindness in a strong city.
Zion is a profound symbol—not confined to any physical place but representing a transcendent space within you, where your consciousness connects with infinite intelligence. It is known by various names in mystical traditions—Avalon, the Land of Malachim, and others—in the sacred intersection where awareness merges with the boundless. There is no separation between you and the infinite; you are an extension of its light, a continuation of its essence.
Yet, we often lose sight of this unity in the physical world. In those rare moments of complete alignment with the infinite, you awaken to the "strong city" within—a place of sacred connection where boundless kindness and mercy flow effortlessly through you.
In this union with infinite truth, blessings manifest with ease. There is no delay, distance, or limitation—only the pure presence of creation. When you embrace this oneness, the universe unfolds through you in perfect harmony.
22 For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes:
nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee.
The infinite will never override your free will. When you think or say things like, "There is no God," "Nothing ever works for me," "This won’t work," or "Magic isn’t real," you create self-imposed laws shaped by those beliefs. The infinite honors these laws because it will not interfere with your freedom to think that way.
However, the truth is that the only laws that truly govern you are those of the infinite. The limitations you set for yourself carry no weight in its eyes. The infinite is not bound by your self-imposed restrictions. You have the freedom to think as you wish, and with that freedom, you shape your experiences—whether they empower or limit you. But these limitations exist only because you allow them.
The moment you consciously give the infinite permission to guide you, you begin to release the burdens of the false laws you’ve been living by. It is through this surrender that you can step into a life governed by the boundless possibilities of the infinite, free from the constraints you’ve unknowingly created.
When we speak words that distance us from divine truth in moments of frustration, God does not turn away from us. We are never out of God’s presence. The "eye of the Lord" symbolizes the profound sense of God’s presence—an indescribable ecstasy, peace, and reverence. When our actions or words reject this connection, we are the ones who block ourselves from experiencing it. Yet, the infinite presence of God remains constant, unwavering, always there.
"Thou heardest the voice of my supplications." The infinite hears us, even when we push it away or close ourselves off. All it takes is the slightest flicker of willingness to reconnect. Perfection isn’t required—just the tiniest spark of openness is enough. The infinite is always there, ready to respond to even the faintest call. Love the infinite, and know it already loves you—endlessly, infinitely, and without condition.
23 O love the Lord, all ye his saints:
for the Lord preserveth the faithful,
and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.
The term "proud doer" here doesn’t refer to ego-driven pride. Instead, it speaks to a more profound sense of pride—one rooted in your identity as a child of the infinite, as a soul. You should hold yourself in high regard, for you were created perfect. God didn’t make mistakes or create anything unworthy when you were created. You have every reason to embrace healthy self-esteem because you are a reflection of divine perfection.
The negative self-talk, low self-esteem, and critical self-images that may occupy your thoughts have no power over your true essence. These struggles and doubts don’t matter to God; they only influence your personal experience. God allows you the freedom to navigate these challenges out of love, but they are not God’s design for you. God wants you to recognize your divine inheritance and live in alignment with it now.
You are, in essence, one of God’s saints. In this context, saints are divine thought forms—expressions of God’s mind and creativity. As one of these thought forms, you are inherently saintly. Moreover, within your own mind, there are saintly thought forms to guide and uplift you, helping you reconnect with your divine nature.
The key takeaway is this: you have no reason to carry a negative self-image or feel ashamed of who you are. Mistakes, challenges, and setbacks do not diminish your worth. You were created perfect, and nothing can change the divine truth of your being. Embrace that truth and celebrate the perfection within you.
24 Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart,
all ye that hope in the Lord.
Having faith in the Infinite is the essence of happiness. This is what the word “hope” is referring to. Trust that things are unfolding as they should. Be courageous, strengthen your heart, and hold onto the faith that progress is being made. Even if it doesn’t come together today, return to this Psalm again tomorrow and the day after that with the same determination until you find that deep sense of peace and certainty that everything is falling into place.
Once you feel that peace and certainty, you’ll know your spell has taken root. There’s no need to worry anymore—the crisis has passed, and you can confidently move forward.
Thank you for taking the time to share this moment with me today. Until next time, blessed be.
This is amazing!!! Thank you for blessing me with this material. Bb