In the midst of life’s challenges, where do we turn for refuge? Psalm 71 is a plea for deliverance, a song of unwavering faith in the Almighty God who has been the psalmist’s stronghold from youth to old age. It is a chapter of assurance, reminding us that our walk with God is a lifelong journey filled with trials, victories, and continuous dependence on His sustaining grace.
Psalm 71:1-8
1 In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion.
2 Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline thine ear unto me, and save me.
3 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.
4 Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.
5 For thou art my hope, O Lord God: thou art my trust from my youth.
6 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.
7 I am as a wonder unto many; but thou art my strong refuge.
8 Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day.
The psalm begins with a cry for help: "In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion" (Psalm 71:1). The psalmist places complete confidence in God, knowing that He alone is a refuge in times of trouble. Throughout life, difficulties arise—enemies seek to destroy, fear threatens to overwhelm, and doubt creeps in. Yet, the believer must learn to rest in God’s righteousness, as the psalmist prays: "Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline thine ear unto me, and save me" (Psalm 71:2). This is not a plea based on personal merit but on God’s faithfulness and justice. When trials come, we, too, can turn to God, knowing that He is a rock, a fortress, and a never-failing deliverer.
One of the most beautiful aspects of Psalm 71 is the recognition that God’s care extends from birth to old age. "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" (Psalm 71:6). The psalmist acknowledges that God has sustained him from the very beginning. This verse reminds us that our entire existence is a testimony of God's grace. The same God who formed us in the womb will continue to uphold us in every stage of life. Even in old age, the psalmist remains steadfast in faith, pleading, "Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth" (Psalm 71:9). While the world may overlook or discard the elderly, God remains faithful. He is not bound by human limitations, and He never abandons His children.
However, faith does not come without opposition. The psalmist speaks of enemies who seek to destroy him, claiming that God has forsaken him. "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" (Psalm 71:10-11). This is a tactic often used by the enemy—to make believers doubt God's presence in difficult times. But God is never absent. When opposition arises, we, like the psalmist, must cry out, "O God, be not far from me: O my God, make haste for my help" (Psalm 71:12). There is an urgency in this prayer, a desperate call for God's intervention. It teaches us an important lesson: when trouble comes, we should immediately turn to the Lord. He is not a distant deity but a present help in times of need.
Despite the challenges he faces, the psalmist does not allow despair to take hold. Instead, he makes a powerful declaration: "But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more" (Psalm 71:14). This is the mark of a mature believer—one who chooses to praise God not only in times of joy but also in times of struggle. He commits to proclaiming God’s righteousness, saying, "My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers thereof" (Psalm 71:15). This verse reminds us that our testimony should never be hidden. No matter our age or situation, we must continually declare the goodness and salvation of God.
A key theme in this psalm is the responsibility of older generations to pass on their faith to the next. "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" (Psalm 71:18). The psalmist does not simply seek personal deliverance; he desires to leave a legacy of faith for future generations. This is a call to discipleship. Those who have walked with God for many years have a responsibility to teach and encourage the younger generation, ensuring that God's mighty works are not forgotten.
The psalmist also speaks of the hope of final deliverance, declaring, "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" (Psalm 71:20). This verse points to the ultimate hope of every believer—resurrection and eternal life. No matter the trials we face in this world, we have the assurance that God will revive us, restore us, and ultimately bring us into His eternal kingdom. Knowing this, the psalmist ends with a song of triumph: "My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed" (Psalm 71:23). Praise is a powerful weapon against discouragement and fear. Even in adversity, lifting our voices in worship allows us to experience God’s peace and presence.
Psalm 71 is a declaration of faith that teaches us to trust in God from youth to old age. It reminds us that:
God is our refuge—He is the one who delivers and sustains us.
Faith is a lifelong journey—We must trust God in every stage of life.
God never forsakes His people—Even when enemies rise against us, He remains faithful.
Praise is the key to victory—Worship and testimony bring strength in times of trouble.
Our faith must be passed on—We have a duty to proclaim God's righteousness to future generations.
As we meditate on this psalm, may we, like the psalmist, declare: "I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more" (Psalm 71:14). No matter where you are in your walk with God—whether in youth, middle age, or old age—remember that He is your rock, your refuge, and your salvation. Trust in Him today and forever.
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