Psalm 70-71 God's Help Now, In The Past, And In The Future

My commentary suggests that the writer of Psalm 71 “was probably past middle age and was greatly concerned about the burden of old age.  He wanted to end well.”  It pointed out “four affirmations about the Lord and the help He gives to those who call on Him and trust Him:”

First, the Lord helps me NOW.  He pleads with God, “God come quickly and save me.  Lord, hurry to help me… God, hurry to me.  You help me and save me.  Lord, do not wait … save and rescue me; listen to me and save me.”

Second, the Lord helped me in the PAST.  When we’re feeling low, it’s always wise to go back and review how God has already been at work in our lives, reminding ourselves of what He has already done.

Third, the Lord will help me in the FUTURE. “The psalmist looked to the future and moved from ‘You are my hope’ to ‘I will hope continually”… The word translated hope in verse 14 means a long and patient waiting in spite of delays and disappointments.  If we trust God, then the trials of life will work for us and not against us and will lead to glory … No matter what his enemies said about him, the day would come when God would honor him and reward him.”

Finally, he knew it was important that the Lord be praised for His help.  “He had looked back at a life of trials and blessings from the Lord; he had looked around at his enemies; he had looked ahead at old age and its problems; and he had even looked down [at the grave].  But it was when he looked up and realized that God’s righteousness reaches to the heavens that he grew in confidence and left his worries with the Lord.”

Father, I’ve done a lot of looking back and around and ahead the last few days.  Thanks for reminding me instead to look up.  I trust You, and my hope is in You.  Thank You for reminding me that no matter what my enemies say about me, the day will come when You will honor and reward me if I remain faithful to You.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford