Trust, A Lifelong Journey
Lord, I seek refuge in you; let me never be disgraced. In your justice, rescue and deliver me; listen closely to me and save me.
Psalm 71:1-2 (CSB)
The Psalmist writes Psalm 71 as a lament, calling out to the Lord as he faces difficulties. This Psalm indicates that throughout life's various stages, we encounter instances of suffering and pain. It emphasizes that the Lord is our sole refuge and source of salvation. When we recognize God's faithfulness during times of lament, we are empowered to share Christ's message with others and proclaim the Lord's good works in our lives.
Anchor Down (1-6). The Psalmist experiences a moment of lament, grounded by the foundation established in his youth. He appeals to the Lord as his rock and refuge while enduring the storm's wrath. Although the storm seeks to destabilize his life, the Psalmist remains assured that his existence is anchored in the Lord's steadfastness. He reminds us of the importance of anchoring our lives on the solid foundation of the Lord. When the tempests strike, we must have faith that the anchor we have placed in the Lord will remain secure.
Seek Refuge (7-13). The Psalmist confronts the ridicule from those around him. His adversaries plot and scheme together to destroy him. The Psalmist understands the protective nature of the Lord, recognizing that He is the one and only Deliverer. When the threat of being overwhelmed arises, the Psalmist pleads with the Lord to be the refuge he needs. When we encounter a world that seems to come against us, we must seek refuge nowhere else but in the Lord.
Declare God’s Work (14-18). The Psalmists witnessed the Lord's mighty acts, even from a young age. God’s work did not cease but has continually influenced the Psalmist's life. The Lord's actions provided a basis for the Psalmist to share testimonies of His greatness. The Psalmist recognized that his narrative was truly a reflection of God’s influence in his life. We must prepare our hearts to proclaim the Lord's great deeds. We should announce what He has accomplished, what He is currently doing, and express our faith in the work He will do.
God Redeems (19-24). The Psalmist expresses his faith in the Lord as the Redeemer. He understands that each challenge in life presents a chance for the Lord to act and receive glory. As he grows older, rather than merely contemplating God's greatness from afar, he chooses to actively trust and rejoice in the Lord. It is essential to remember that we must always stand in a position of faith, proclaiming His wonderful name. This truth holds because God is the sole Redeemer; as we experience His redemption, we find ourselves in a state of total trust and obedience.
QUESTIONS
Why is it important to reflect on God's past interventions in our lives, especially during tough times?
How can studying the stories of God's faithfulness help you in your personal trials?
