I Remember "31"

I am not referring to being 31 years old although God was just as faithful then as He is now. Except that year was not a good year in the sense I made a huge and very foolish decision that still has difficult consequences. I am thinking of the few books of the Bible that have a chapter 31. There are only a few: Genesis, Exodus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, 1 Samuel, 2 Chronicles, Psalms, Proverbs, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. In almost every one of those “Chapter 31” passages there is at least one thing to hang onto for life (I am still trying to find one in Numbers and 1 Samuel is a stretch). This project was a spur-of-the-moment after rediscovering Deut 31:8 and Psa 31:14. While experiencing a particularly difficult struggle that I would rather just run away from, Deut 31:8 has been extra reassuring: “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” It is especially comforting when it is a fearful thing even going to one’s daily work. Couple that with Psa 31:14: “But I trust in you, O LORD; I say ‘You are my God.’ My times are in your hands.” If my situation is bigger than God, I probably will not do this. And in the midst of all that come God’s reassuring words in Jer 31:3: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with lovingkindness.” God is not just bigger or present, but He is also in love with me. I remember 31 and will need to all the way home.