What does Psalm 31:8 mean?

David's willingness to trust God in challenging times (Psalm 31:7) was rooted in prior experience. Despite repeated danger, the Lord had delivered David from his enemies. Foes had backed him into a tight place many times, but the Lord had delivered him and enabled him to experience security. The imagery of standing in a "broad place" contrasts with something like a narrow beam or a tightrope. Balancing on a thin edge is difficult; it's easy to feel stable when there's plenty of room to take a wide stance.

As much as he trusted God's love (Psalm 31:5, 7), David bowed to God's sovereignty. He knew God could have allowed him to fall to his opponents. David doesn't claim that God had to provide rescue, he simply acknowledges that it was God who secured his rescue. This understanding is key for the believer; peace of mind can be enjoyed if one understands their life is in God's hands whether circumstances are rough or calm (Psalm 31:7). Paul assured his readers at Rome that "for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).