March 30, 2011

Psalm 71:1-11 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:
Matthew 28:1-10, Romans 15:14-33, Deuteronomy 32

Journal Entry

Scripture

1 In you, O LORD, do I take refuge;
let me never be put to shame!
2 In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me;
incline your ear to me, and save me!

Observation

In this personal psalm of lament, the psalmist spends the first three verses declaring his trust in God and His deliverance. As the psalm progresses, we learn of his weakness and old age whether actual or figurative. The psalmist recalls how he has always depended on God and not his own strength. The request for deliverance is not a new cry for help, now that he is under attack. But, it is a continuation of a lifelong dependence on God. The psalmist requests God to act in His righteousness to deliver him for he has followed God all of his life. In fact, the first verse asks "let me never be put to shame" for it is in great and might God that the psalmist takes refuge.

Application

Only God is worthy of trust and deliverance. God knew us even before our birth and continues to love and care for us. What else can I depend on? Whom else can I trust? He is my hope and refuge. It becomes only more obvious in our times of need because the futility of our own strength and ability is revealed. There is no one greater or more loving. God and only God is my refuge.

Prayer

O Lord, You are my rock and my refuge. A tower of strength in times of trouble. Help me to depend on you everyday.

--John Lim