Psalm 71:1-14 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 71:1-14 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1In you, O Lord, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame.
Verse 2In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; incline your ear to me and save me.
Verse 3Be to me a rock of refuge, a strong fortress, to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.
Verse 4Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and cruel.
Verse 5For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O Lord, from my youth.
Verse 6Upon you I have leaned from my birth; it was you who took me from my mother's womb. My praise is continually of you.
Verse 7I have been like a portent to many, but you are my strong refuge.
Verse 8My mouth is filled with your praise, and with your glory all day long.
Verse 9Do not cast me off in the time of old age; do not forsake me when my strength is spent.
Verse 10For my enemies speak concerning me, and those who watch for my life consult together.
Verse 11They say, "Pursue and seize that person whom God has forsaken, for there is no one to deliver."
Verse 12O God, do not be far from me; O my God, make haste to help me!
Verse 13Let my accusers be put to shame and consumed; let those who seek to hurt me be covered with scorn and disgrace.
Verse 14But I will hope continually, and will praise you yet more and more.
Devotion
When we face unexpected changes or tough challenges in our lives, it is tempting to forget the kindness and mercy God has shown us in the past. Yet the psalmist teaches us to praise the God upon whom we have leaned all through our life. Can you list a dozen times God has carried and sustained you? Those are the moments of hope and memory that give us courage to face the things that are still unknown to us. As we walk in the path of Christ’s cross, we know that God accompanies us along the way.
Prayer
Sustaining God, help me to sing your praises as I age. Remind me that you have always been my refuge and strength. Use my life as a sign to others that you are never far away. In Christ’s name I pray. Amen.