What is the meaning of Psalm 71?

Psalm 71 is a deeply moving and personal prayer that reflects the psalmist's reliance on God throughout his life. This psalm, which lacks a specific title or author in the text, is often attributed to David due to its similarities with other Davidic psalms. It is a profound expression of trust, hope, and praise, especially in the face of adversity and old age.

The psalm opens with a plea for God's protection and deliverance: "In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame. In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me; turn your ear to me and save me" (Psalm 71:1-2, NIV). The psalmist begins by affirming his trust in God, seeking refuge in Him and asking for deliverance from his enemies. This initial plea sets the tone for the entire psalm, highlighting the psalmist's unwavering faith in God's righteousness and salvation.

As the psalm progresses, the psalmist reflects on his lifelong relationship with God. He acknowledges that God has been his hope and confidence since his youth: "For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth. From birth, I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother's womb. I will ever praise you" (Psalm 71:5-6, NIV). This passage emphasizes the psalmist's enduring faith and reliance on God from the earliest stages of his life. It is a testament to the deep, personal relationship he has cultivated with God over the years.

The psalmist's reflections on his past experiences with God serve as a foundation for his current plea for help. He is now facing new challenges and adversaries, but his faith remains steadfast: "Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone. For my enemies speak against me; those who wait to kill me conspire together" (Psalm 71:9-10, NIV). The psalmist is acutely aware of his vulnerability in old age, but he trusts that God will not abandon him. His plea is not only for physical deliverance but also for the assurance of God's continued presence and support.

One of the most striking aspects of Psalm 71 is the psalmist's resolve to continue praising God despite his difficulties. He declares his intention to proclaim God's righteousness and salvation all day long: "My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds, of your saving acts all day long—though I know not how to relate them all" (Psalm 71:15, NIV). This commitment to praise is a powerful expression of faith, demonstrating the psalmist's belief that God's goodness and faithfulness surpass his current troubles.

The psalmist's praise is not limited to his present circumstances; he also looks forward to the future with hope. He expresses confidence that God will continue to be his strength and deliverer: "As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds, of your saving acts all day long—though I know not how to relate them all" (Psalm 71:14-15, NIV). This forward-looking hope is a crucial element of the psalm, highlighting the psalmist's trust in God's unchanging nature and His promises.

Psalm 71 also contains a strong sense of purpose. The psalmist is not content to simply receive God's help; he is determined to use his experiences to testify to God's greatness: "Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come" (Psalm 71:18, NIV). This desire to pass on his faith and experiences to future generations underscores the psalmist's understanding of his role in God's larger plan. He sees his life as a testimony to God's power and faithfulness, and he is committed to sharing that testimony with others.

Throughout the psalm, the psalmist repeatedly acknowledges God's righteousness and faithfulness. He recognizes that God's ways are just and that His faithfulness endures through all generations: "Your righteousness, God, reaches to the heavens, you who have done great things. Who is like you, God?" (Psalm 71:19, NIV). This recognition of God's greatness is a central theme of the psalm, reinforcing the psalmist's trust and confidence in God's character.

The psalm concludes with a renewed commitment to praise and proclaim God's goodness: "My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you—I whom you have delivered. My tongue will tell of your righteous acts all day long, for those who wanted to harm me have been put to shame and confusion" (Psalm 71:23-24, NIV). This final declaration of praise encapsulates the psalmist's journey from plea to praise, illustrating his unwavering faith and trust in God's deliverance.

Psalm 71 is a powerful and heartfelt expression of faith, hope, and praise. It reflects the psalmist's lifelong relationship with God, his reliance on God's righteousness and salvation, and his commitment to proclaiming God's greatness to future generations. The psalmist's trust in God is unwavering, even in the face of old age and adversity. This psalm serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of faith, hope, and praise in the life of a believer, encouraging us to trust in God's unchanging character and His promises, regardless of our circumstances.

The themes of trust, hope, and praise in Psalm 71 resonate deeply with believers today. In times of difficulty and uncertainty, we can take comfort in the psalmist's example of unwavering faith and reliance on God. Like the psalmist, we are called to trust in God's righteousness and salvation, to reflect on His faithfulness throughout our lives, and to proclaim His greatness to others. Psalm 71 encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith, to find hope in God's promises, and to continually offer praise to Him, knowing that He is our refuge and deliverer.