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.
9 Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.
10 For mine enemies speak against me; and they that lay wait for my soul take counsel together,
11 Saying, God hath forsaken him: persecute and take him; for there is none to deliver him.
12 O God, be not far from me: O my God, make haste for my help.
13 Let them be confounded and consumed that are adversaries to my soul; let them be covered with reproach and dishonour that seek my hurt.
14 But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more.
15 My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers thereof.
16 I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only.
17 O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.
18 Now also when I am old and greyheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.
19 Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee!
20 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.
21 Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side.
22 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.
23 My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed.
24 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 heartfelt plea to God for deliverance and protection. The psalmist, who is not named but traditionally believed to be King David, calls out to God in a time of distress, expressing his faith and trust in God's power and mercy. As we delve into the psalm's verses, we find a few recurring themes: faith in God's deliverance, the psalmist's dependence on God from youth, the anticipation of God's continual care in old age, and a commitment to praise God continually.
The psalm begins with an earnest appeal to God for deliverance. The psalmist cries out, "In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion." (Psalm 71:1). This expression of faith in God's power to deliver and protect is a recurring theme throughout the psalm. The psalmist acknowledges that his safety and deliverance lie solely in God's hands. He implores God to save him from his enemies, who are depicted as unjust and cruel.
The psalmist also reflects on his lifelong reliance on God. He declares, "Thou art my hope, O Lord God: thou art my trust from my youth." (Psalm 71:5). This verse reveals a deep-seated faith that has been nurtured from a young age. The psalmist acknowledges God's past faithfulness and expresses his confidence in God's continued protection and guidance. His faith is not a recent development, but a long-standing relationship that has been tested and proven over time.
In the latter part of the psalm, the psalmist expresses his hope for God's continued care and protection in his old age. He prays, "Now also when I am old and greyheaded, 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 seeks reassurance that God's faithfulness will not wane with his advancing age. He desires to continue witnessing God's mighty works and to proclaim them to future generations.
Throughout the psalm, the psalmist reaffirms his commitment to praise God continually. Regardless of his circumstances, he resolves to praise God and rejoice in His salvation (Psalm 71:14-15). This commitment is grounded in the psalmist's conviction of God's unchanging nature and steadfast love. He declares, "I will go in the strength of the Lord God: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only." (Psalm 71:16). He acknowledges that God's righteousness is the source of his strength and the foundation of his faith.
In summary, Psalm 71 is a profound expression of faith amidst trials. It reflects a deep-seated trust in God's deliverance, a lifelong dependence on God, an anticipation of God's continued care in old age, and a resolute commitment to praise God continually. The psalmist's faith, as articulated in this psalm, is not a passive faith but an active, living faith that influences his thoughts, actions, and attitudes. It is a faith that transcends circumstances, endures through hardships, and anticipates God's enduring faithfulness.
Psalm 71 is not just an ancient song but a timeless message that still resonates with believers today. It offers comfort and encouragement to those facing trials, reminding them of God's faithfulness and care. It challenges believers to trust in God's deliverance, to rely on Him from youth to old age, and to commit to praising Him continually. In a world filled with uncertainties and challenges, the psalmist's unwavering faith serves as a beacon of hope and a model of resilience.
In our personal lives, we may encounter situations that test our faith and resilience. We may face trials that seem insurmountable, enemies that seem invincible, and fears that seem overwhelming. In such times, Psalm 71 invites us to turn to God, to trust in His deliverance, to reflect on His past faithfulness, to anticipate His future care, and to commit to praising Him regardless of our circumstances. It reassures us that God is our refuge and strength, our hope and salvation, from youth to old age.
In our collective lives, as communities and as a society, we may face challenges that threaten our unity, peace, and progress. We may grapple with injustices that seem entrenched, conflicts that seem intractable, and crises that seem unending. In such times, Psalm 71 invites us to seek God's wisdom and intervention, to trust in His justice, to remember His past interventions, to anticipate His future guidance, and to commit to proclaiming His goodness regardless of our circumstances. It reassures us that God is our protector and guide, our peace and justice, from one generation to another.
Therefore, the enduring relevance of Psalm 71 lies in its timeless message of faith, hope, and resilience. It is a message that echoes through the centuries, resonates with believers today, and will continue to inspire future generations. As we reflect on Psalm 71, may we be encouraged to trust in God's deliverance, to rely on Him from youth to old age, and to commit to praising Him continually. May we be inspired to live out our faith with courage, to face our trials with hope, and to embrace our future with anticipation. And may we be challenged to share this timeless message with others, to proclaim God's goodness to our generation, and to pass on His legacy to the generations to come.
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