Psalms 71
Psalm 71 is a psalm of prayer in which a poet, already in his later years, remembers God’s faithfulness and continually asks God for refuge even in times of life’s crises. Based on experiences from his childhood, the author begs that God would keep and care for his life all the way to the end. The psalm is traditionally also regarded as a psalm of David, though the original author is not directly specified. Overall, it follows this flow:
- Verses 1–4: Trusting God as refuge, pleading for His help
- Verses 5–8: Remembering God’s grace shown throughout life
- Verses 9–13: A heartfelt hope to be protected even in old age
- Verses 14–18: Praising God continually, and a desire to pass on what He has done to the next generation
- Verses 19–24: Exalting God’s righteousness and power, and concluding with joy of salvation
1verseIn you, LORD, I take refuge. Never let me be disappointed.
2verseDeliver me in your righteousness, and rescue me. Turn your ear to me, and save me.
3verseBe to me a rock of refuge to which I may always go. Give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.
4verseRescue me, my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.
5verseFor you are my hope, Lord GOD, my confidence from my youth.
6verseI have relied on you from the womb. You are he who took me out of my mother’s womb. I will always praise you.
7verseI am a marvel to many, but you are my strong refuge.
8verseMy mouth shall be filled with your praise, with your honor all day long.
9verseDon’t reject me in my old age. Don’t forsake me when my strength fails.
10verseFor my enemies talk about me. Those who watch for my soul conspire together,
11versesaying, “God has forsaken him. Pursue and take him, for no one will rescue him.”
12verseGod, don’t be far from me. My God, hurry to help me.
13verseLet my accusers be disappointed and consumed. Let them be covered with disgrace and scorn who want to harm me.
14verseBut I will always hope, and will add to all of your praise.
15verseMy mouth will tell about your righteousness, and of your salvation all day, though I don’t know its full measure.
16verseI will come with the mighty acts of the Lord GOD. I will make mention of your righteousness, even of yours alone.
17verseGod, you have taught me from my youth. Until now, I have declared your wondrous works.
18verseYes, even when I am old and gray-haired, God, don’t forsake me, until I have declared your strength to the next generation, your might to everyone who is to come.
19verseGod, your righteousness also reaches to the heavens. You have done great things. God, who is like you?
20verseYou, who have shown us many and bitter troubles, you will let me live. You will bring us up again from the depths of the earth.
21verseIncrease my honor and comfort me again.
22verseI will also praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, my God. I sing praises to you with the lyre, Holy One of Israel.
23verseMy lips shall shout for joy! My soul, which you have redeemed, sings praises to you!
24verseMy tongue will also talk about your righteousness all day long, for they are disappointed, and they are confounded, who want to harm me.
Key Message of Psalm 71
This psalm is one in which human weakness and God’s faithfulness intersect. Whenever the author faces various hardships and crises in life, he confesses that only God is the true refuge. At the same time, he does not forget and remembers God’s guidance and grace that began in his childhood. As he grows into old age, even amid anxiety and fear, as well as rejection and pressure from people, the psalmist declares, “I will always hope in the LORD.” And he also expresses a strong desire to pass on this faith not only for himself, but to his descendants. A beautiful picture of faith is revealed—one that does not lose hope until the very end of life, relying on God.
Meditation Points
- In every moment, no matter what age or situation you are in, how much do you trust that God is your refuge?
- Do you truly remember God’s help you experienced in the past? How does that connect to your faith today?
- How would you like to pass on your faith and God’s work to the next generation?
Applying It to Myself
- In the midst of life’s weakness and trials, let’s practice relying on God in daily life in concrete ways.
- Let’s write down once the grace God has given me in my life, or share it with my family or neighbors.
- Let’s pray so that God’s Word and our confession of faith can deepen along with the years of our lives.
