We don’t know who wrote this psalm but we know that he was a man suffering through trouble or trial along with the failing health associated with advanced age. (Psalm 71:9; 18)

Psalm 71:1 - 6 he reminds himself (and us) of God’s work of grace throughout his life.

Psalm 71:7 is interesting - ‘portent’ implies that others are watching with a critical eye his distress. Ps 71:10 - 11 give us the clue - “For my enemies speak concerning me; those who watch for my life consult together and say, “God has forsaken him …” We don’t know what is happening but perhaps this is a godly man who encounters some disappointing event. Oh, he is familiar with disappointment, but he seems painfully aware that unbelievers are watching and saying, “He lived his long life devoted to his God, but now this distress proves that his God has ‘forsaken him’ and is worthless!” Some may even ask, “why do the godly suffer yet the wicked prosper?” Can you imagine a more depressing thought? To be aware that the community is mocking you and your God? What does this old man do - he shifts the focus off himself onto his God; “but you are my strong refuge. My mouth is filled with your praise, and with your glory all the day.” (Ps 71:7-8) This is the biblical cure for the blues … turn from self and look to our Kinsman-Redeemer, our elder Brother who is able to sympathize with our weakness (Hebrews 4:14-15) and who rescues us from our enemies (Hebrews 4:13).

Ps 71:9-13 he rightfully request the Lord’s intervention then in Ps71:14-17 he, putting his previous depression firmly behind, remembers again the works of the Lord and directs his frail heart to love the Lord God with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his mind. (Matthew 22:37-39)

Ps 71:18-19 This old man, in spite of a long life of labor and this recent disappointment, isn’t thinking about a comfortable retirement at the beach - he looks forward (and asks for the opportunity) to “proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come…” He has so much to tell and eagerly desires the opportunity to pass on what great thing he knows!

Ps 71:20 he says, “You who have made me see many troubles and calamities will revive me again; from the depths of the earth you will bring me up again.” Here he is is praising God’s soveriegn control over this present ‘frowning providence’ (you have made me see many troubled times), at the same time, he is expressing confidence that “he who began a good work … will bring it to completion.” (Phil 1:6) Indeed, “in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

May we aspire to and old age filled with such hope, joy, and eager desire to make the most of our opportunities to tell what great things the Lord has done!

Posted by Robin Eckhardt on Tuesday, June 3rd, 2008 at 10:23 am.