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 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.
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.
Overview of Psalm 71
Psalm 71 is a poignant reflection on the themes of aging, trust in God, and the desire for deliverance. The psalmist expresses a deep reliance on God throughout their life, emphasizing the need for divine support in times of trouble. This chapter serves as both a prayer for help and a declaration of faith, highlighting the importance of remembering God’s past faithfulness.
Thematic Elements
- Trust in God: The psalmist consistently affirms their trust in God as a refuge and source of strength.
- Reflection on Life: The chapter reflects on the psalmist’s life experiences, acknowledging both struggles and divine assistance.
- Desire for Deliverance: There is a strong plea for God’s intervention in times of distress, showcasing vulnerability and dependence on divine help.
- Praise and Worship: The psalmist emphasizes the importance of praising God, both personally and publicly, as an act of faith.
Structure of Psalm 71
- Verses 1-3: A plea for refuge and deliverance. The psalmist begins by seeking safety in God, asking to be rescued from enemies.
- Verses 4-6: Acknowledgment of God’s past faithfulness. The psalmist recalls their reliance on God from birth, reinforcing a lifelong relationship.
- Verses 7-9: Expression of vulnerability. The psalmist describes their current state, feeling like a target for adversaries and pleading for God not to forsake them in old age.
- Verses 10-13: Confrontation with enemies. The psalmist describes the threats posed by adversaries and their desire for God to silence them.
- Verses 14-16: Commitment to hope and praise. Despite challenges, the psalmist vows to continue hoping in God and proclaiming His righteousness.
- Verses 17-19: Reflection on God’s works. The psalmist acknowledges God’s past deeds and expresses confidence in His continued faithfulness.
- Verses 20-21: Assurance of restoration. The psalmist expresses hope that God will restore them from suffering and affliction.
- Verses 22-24: A final commitment to praise. The chapter concludes with a declaration of praise and a commitment to share God’s faithfulness with others.
Key Verses and Their Significance
- Verse 1: “In you, O Lord, I put my trust; let me never be put to shame.”
This verse sets the tone for the psalm, establishing a foundation of trust in God.
- Verse 5: “For you are my hope, O Lord God; you are my trust from my youth.”
This highlights the lifelong relationship the psalmist has with God, indicating that faith is a continuous journey.
- Verse 14: “But I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more.”
This verse emphasizes the psalmist’s determination to maintain hope and engage in worship, regardless of circumstances.
- Verse 20: “You who have made me see many troubles will revive me again.”
This reflects the belief that God, who has allowed suffering, is also capable of restoration.
- Verse 24: “My tongue will tell of your righteous acts all day long.”
This underscores the importance of testimony and sharing God’s goodness with others.
Conclusion
Psalm 71 serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring nature of faith and the importance of trusting God through all stages of life. The psalmist’s reflections on past experiences, coupled with a heartfelt plea for deliverance, resonate deeply with anyone facing challenges, particularly in their later years. The commitment to praise and share God’s faithfulness underscores the integral role of worship in maintaining hope and strength amidst adversity.
