Psalm 71

We noted in our previous study that Psalm 70 is the short, basic version of a prayer often prayed by the Psalmist.  It is worth memorizing so as to be able to use it in the variety of troubles commonly experienced in the life of the saint.  Psalm 71 is a perfect example of taking Psalm 70 and using it in a specific situation of life.  Both have the same emphasis on seeking God’s haste in helping face those who desire the hurt of the believer.  But in the case of Psalm 71, the prayer is prayed in the context of growing older.  The God we have learned to trust in our youth must be continuously trusted and increasingly praised as the days and years roll by (71:14).

Like Psalm 70, today’s Song is also a perfect illustration of the thematic rhythm of Hebrew poetry. Consider the following.

Ø  Ps. 71 begins, divides and ends with a common thought.  The concern with those who desire my hurt is found in v1-3 where the Psalmist trusts God to help, v12-13 where He pleads for God’s help, and v22-24 where he praises and testifies of the God who faithfully helps.

Ø  In vs. 4-6 and 19-21 the writer highlights God’s perfections, the first as truth he discovered in his youth and the latter as truth he holds to in his later years.

Ø  In v7-11 the Hymnist acknowledges that God has made him to stand out (be a wonder) in his youth (v7-8) and thus he pleads with God to continue to do the same in his later years (v9-11).  In v14-18 he vows to continue to trust in God (v14-16) and thus pleads with God to continue His faithfulness in his later years.

The truth about God that the Psalmist in his old age finds to be most important is His righteousness. He has not grown bitter over the years but rather has seen more and more that God is righteous and God will do what is righteous. I think about this when the psalmist has complained to the Lord about how the wicked seem to have such easy lives (Ps. 10, 73) or the many times he pled with God to make haste, wondering how long the trials will continue (Ps. 71).  But as he has come to the end of his life he realizes that God's timing has always been perfect, and that the wicked have not been in control. What a wonderful testimony!  

Let us be firmly committed to being vocal with our loved ones about the righteousness of God.