In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion.
Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline thine ear unto me, and save me.
Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress.
Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.
For thou art my hope, O Lord God: thou art my trust from my youth.
By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother’s bowels: my praise shall be continually of thee.
I am as a wonder unto many; but thou art my strong refuge.
Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day.
Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.
For mine enemies speak against me; and they that lay wait for my soul take counsel together,
Saying, God hath forsaken him: persecute and take him; for there is none to deliver him.
O God, be not far from me: O my God, make haste for my help.
Let them be confounded and consumed that are adversaries to my soul; let them be covered with reproach and dishonour that seek my hurt.
But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more.
My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers thereof.
I will go in the strength of the Lord God: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only.
O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.
Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.
Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee!
Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth.
Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side.
I will also praise thee with the psaltery, even thy truth, O my God: unto thee will I sing with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel.
My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed.
My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long: for they are confounded, for they are brought unto shame, that seek my hurt.
Psalm 71 is a powerful declaration of trust in God, particularly poignant as it reflects on a lifetime of faith. While the psalm itself doesn't explicitly name an author or event, its themes and language resonate with those found in Psalms 22, 31, 35, and 40, all attributed to David. Many scholars believe that David penned this psalm, perhaps during the tumultuous period of Absalom's rebellion (2 Samuel 15-16), when he faced betrayal and threats in his old age. Regardless of the specific historical context, Psalm 71 offers timeless encouragement to all who seek refuge in the Lord, especially during times of adversity and aging. This psalm offers a powerful message: unwavering reliance on God leads to enduring security.
A Foundation of Trust (Psalms 71:1-8)
The psalm opens with an earnest plea for deliverance, echoing the sentiments of Psalm 31 and 35. The psalmist seeks refuge in God, recognizing Him as a rock and fortress (Psalms 71:1, 3). This isn't just a passive request, but a confident declaration that God will rescue him from present danger. The psalmist expresses unwavering trust in God, a trust cultivated since his youth (Psalms 71:5). This highlights a crucial truth: the "staying power" of faith is immense when children are taught to know and love the Lord from an early age. The psalmist emphasizes that his hope in God is not new but has been a constant throughout his life, even from the womb. This speaks to God's providential care from the very beginning. The psalmist's mouth is full of praise (Psalms 71:8), reflecting a heart overflowing with gratitude.
Facing Adversity with Hope (Psalms 71:9-16)
As the psalmist confronts the challenges of aging, he cries out for God's continued protection (Psalms 71:9). He recognizes his growing physical weakness and the vulnerability it creates, as enemies seek to take advantage of his perceived decline (Psalms 71:10-11). He asks that God would continue to sustain him in his old age. The psalmist prays for God's intervention (Psalms 71:12-13), asking the Lord to turn the plans of his enemies back on themselves, bringing shame and disgrace upon them. Despite the threats and uncertainties, the psalmist vows to continue hoping in God and offering praise all day long (Psalms 71:14-15). His commitment to praise is not contingent on answered prayers but flows from a deep-seated faith in God's character.
A Lifetime of Learning and Proclamation (Psalms 71:17-24)
The psalmist emphasizes the longevity of his discipleship. He had learned from God in his youth and was still proclaiming His wondrous works (Psalms 71:17). Therefore, he prays that God would not abandon him when he was old and gray. He longs to see another generation know and serve the Lord (Psalms 71:18). The psalmist recalls God's faithfulness throughout his life, remembering past deliverances and mercies. Even though he acknowledges the troubles and misfortunes he has faced, he expresses confidence that God will restore him once again (Psalms 71:20-21). He trusts that God uses these trials to strengthen, correct, and develop him (see James 1:2-4; Hebrews 12:4-11). The psalm concludes with a powerful anticipation of future praise and celebration, as the psalmist envisions the disgrace of those who meant him harm (Psalms 71:22-24). His mouth will be filled with praise as he anticipates the disgrace of those who meant him harm.
Psalm 71 reminds us that God is a refuge that endures throughout our entire lives. From youth to old age, through times of prosperity and adversity, we can confidently place our trust in Him. Like the psalmist, we can cultivate a lifelong habit of praising God, proclaiming His faithfulness to the next generation, and finding hope in His unfailing love. We can look to God with this same confidence regarding the trials He brings into our lives.
In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion.
Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline thine ear unto me, and save me.
Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress.
Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.
For thou art my hope, O Lord God: thou art my trust from my youth.
By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother’s bowels: my praise shall be continually of thee.
I am as a wonder unto many; but thou art my strong refuge.
Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day.
Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.
For mine enemies speak against me; and they that lay wait for my soul take counsel together,
Saying, God hath forsaken him: persecute and take him; for there is none to deliver him.
O God, be not far from me: O my God, make haste for my help.
Let them be confounded and consumed that are adversaries to my soul; let them be covered with reproach and dishonour that seek my hurt.
But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more.
My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers thereof.
I will go in the strength of the Lord God: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only.
O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.
Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.
Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee!
Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth.
Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side.
I will also praise thee with the psaltery, even thy truth, O my God: unto thee will I sing with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel.
My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed.
My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long: for they are confounded, for they are brought unto shame, that seek my hurt.
Psalm 71 is a powerful declaration of trust in God, particularly poignant as it reflects on a lifetime of faith. While the psalm itself doesn't explicitly name an author or event, its themes and language resonate with those found in Psalms 22, 31, 35, and 40, all attributed to David. Many scholars believe that David penned this psalm, perhaps during the tumultuous period of Absalom's rebellion (2 Samuel 15-16), when he faced betrayal and threats in his old age. Regardless of the specific historical context, Psalm 71 offers timeless encouragement to all who seek refuge in the Lord, especially during times of adversity and aging. This psalm offers a powerful message: unwavering reliance on God leads to enduring security.
A Foundation of Trust (Psalms 71:1-8)
The psalm opens with an earnest plea for deliverance, echoing the sentiments of Psalm 31 and 35. The psalmist seeks refuge in God, recognizing Him as a rock and fortress (Psalms 71:1, 3). This isn't just a passive request, but a confident declaration that God will rescue him from present danger. The psalmist expresses unwavering trust in God, a trust cultivated since his youth (Psalms 71:5). This highlights a crucial truth: the "staying power" of faith is immense when children are taught to know and love the Lord from an early age. The psalmist emphasizes that his hope in God is not new but has been a constant throughout his life, even from the womb. This speaks to God's providential care from the very beginning. The psalmist's mouth is full of praise (Psalms 71:8), reflecting a heart overflowing with gratitude.
Facing Adversity with Hope (Psalms 71:9-16)
As the psalmist confronts the challenges of aging, he cries out for God's continued protection (Psalms 71:9). He recognizes his growing physical weakness and the vulnerability it creates, as enemies seek to take advantage of his perceived decline (Psalms 71:10-11). He asks that God would continue to sustain him in his old age. The psalmist prays for God's intervention (Psalms 71:12-13), asking the Lord to turn the plans of his enemies back on themselves, bringing shame and disgrace upon them. Despite the threats and uncertainties, the psalmist vows to continue hoping in God and offering praise all day long (Psalms 71:14-15). His commitment to praise is not contingent on answered prayers but flows from a deep-seated faith in God's character.
A Lifetime of Learning and Proclamation (Psalms 71:17-24)
The psalmist emphasizes the longevity of his discipleship. He had learned from God in his youth and was still proclaiming His wondrous works (Psalms 71:17). Therefore, he prays that God would not abandon him when he was old and gray. He longs to see another generation know and serve the Lord (Psalms 71:18). The psalmist recalls God's faithfulness throughout his life, remembering past deliverances and mercies. Even though he acknowledges the troubles and misfortunes he has faced, he expresses confidence that God will restore him once again (Psalms 71:20-21). He trusts that God uses these trials to strengthen, correct, and develop him (see James 1:2-4; Hebrews 12:4-11). The psalm concludes with a powerful anticipation of future praise and celebration, as the psalmist envisions the disgrace of those who meant him harm (Psalms 71:22-24). His mouth will be filled with praise as he anticipates the disgrace of those who meant him harm.
Psalm 71 reminds us that God is a refuge that endures throughout our entire lives. From youth to old age, through times of prosperity and adversity, we can confidently place our trust in Him. Like the psalmist, we can cultivate a lifelong habit of praising God, proclaiming His faithfulness to the next generation, and finding hope in His unfailing love. We can look to God with this same confidence regarding the trials He brings into our lives.