Psalm 71 - You Have A Story
Psalm 71 starts off as a cry for help.
The author was an older man who went through his own set of challenges, like we all do, and he cried out to the Lord.
We can relate to this aged man, whether it is a personal trial, at work, in our family, or maybe it is a cry for help in our nation. It’s clear - our nation is under judgement, but there are signs of good things that are happening.
In Psalm 71, the author’s distress is evident, but you will also see something else emerge in the text that will be very important for us in the days ahead.
O Lord, I have come to you for protection; don’t let me be disgraced.
Save me and rescue me, for you do what is right. Turn your ear to listen to me, and set me free.
Be my rock of safety where I can always hide. Give the order to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. (Verses 1-3)
God is our STRONG TOWER. It’s not a literal building, but rather, it is the presence of God that we can enter into at any time. There is safety in His presence.
My God, rescue me from the power of the wicked, from the clutches of cruel oppressors.
O Lord, you alone are my hope. I’ve trusted you, O Lord, from childhood.
Yes, you have been with me from birth; from my mother’s womb you have cared for me. No wonder I am always praising you! (Verses 4-6)
We can find comfort in the assurance of GOD’S CARE. He is a good Father who cares for His children.
Pastor Tom Herbert of Freedom Community Church in Shrewsbury, PA once shared this great example of God’s care in the life of Paul. God knocked Paul off his horse on the road to Damascus, but gave him Ananias to care for him when he got there. In this example, you see the correction and care of God at the very same time. Just as a father corrects his children to keep them from harm, because He cares for them, so does our heavenly Father.
As we continue in this Psalm, you will start to see PRAISE coming out in the following verses. Even in the midst of the author’s cry for help, he finds time to praise the Lord.
This is the KEY for us in challenging times…
Remember and have confidence based on God’s lifelong care for you. And resolve to continue praising God – no matter what comes our way. Just like the older man in Psalm 71.
My life is an example to many, because you have been my strength and protection.
That is why I can never stop praising you; I declare your glory all day long.
And now, in my old age, don’t set me aside. Don’t abandon me when my strength is failing.
For my enemies are whispering against me. They are plotting together to kill me.
They say, “God has abandoned him. Let’s go and get him, for no one will help him now.”
O God, don’t stay away. My God, please hurry to help me.
Bring disgrace and destruction on my accusers. Humiliate and shame those who want to harm me.
But I will keep on hoping for your help; I will praise you more and more.
I will tell everyone about your righteousness. All day long I will proclaim your saving power, though I am not skilled with words.
I will praise your mighty deeds, O Sovereign Lord. I will tell everyone that you alone are just.
O God, you have taught me from my earliest childhood, and I constantly tell others about the wonderful things you do.
Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me. (Verses 7-18)
How important it is to tell the stories of what God has done in our life. You have a testimony. The good and the bad. Big or small. Signs and wonders come in all shapes and sizes.
What might appear as a coincidence is actually God telling you, “Keep going, you’re going in the right direction,” if it aligns with God’s Word.
So, keep going! God’s got this.
Remember that God is faithful. We all can think back to times when God showed up. We all have those moments when God did something in our life.
And it brings a smile to our face.
You have a story!
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