In a dangerous world that takes advantage of people, who can rescue us reliably? Let’s look at Psalm 71.
Where is the most reliable place for protection, for refuge and safety?
O Lord, I have come to you for protection; don’t let me be disgraced. Save me and rescue me, for you do what is right. Turn your ear to listen to me, and set me free. Be my rock of safety where I can always hide. Give the order to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. My God, rescue me from the power of the wicked, from the clutches of cruel oppressors. O Lord, you alone are my hope. I’ve trusted you, O Lord, from childhood. Yes, you have been with me from birth; from my mother’s womb you have cared for me. No wonder I am always praising you! (Ps 71:1-6 NLT)
In old age will we feel even more vulnerable to robbery, elder financial abuse, fraud? Will we still trust in God’s protection when we become old and feeble?
I am a marvel to many, but you are my strong refuge. My mouth shall be filled with your praise, with your honor all day long. Don’t reject me in my old age. Don’t forsake me when my strength fails. For my enemies talk about me. Those who watch for my soul conspire together, saying, “God has forsaken him. Pursue and take him, for no one will rescue him.” (Ps 71:7-11 WEB)
Are there circumstances when we need God to intervene quickly? Do we meditate on the many times God rescued people throughout the Bible?
Don’t be far from me, God! My God, hurry to help me! Let my accusers be put to shame, completely finished off! Let those who seek my downfall be dressed in insults and disgrace! But me? I will hope. Always. I will add to all your praise. My mouth will repeat your righteous acts and your saving deeds all day long. I don’t even know how many of those there are! I will dwell on your mighty acts, my Lord. Lord, I will help others remember nothing but your righteous deeds. (Ps 71:12-16 CEB)
Have we known God since childhood, or come to faith at a later age? Will the next generation listen to us? Do we trust that God has a blessing awaiting after we suffer?
You have taught me since I was a child, and I never stop telling about your marvelous deeds. Don't leave me when I am old and my hair turns gray. Let me tell future generations about your mighty power. Your deeds of kindness are known in the heavens. No one is like you! You made me suffer a lot, but you will bring me back from this deep pit and give me new life. You will make me truly great and take my sorrow away. (Ps 71:17-21 CEV)
Are stringed instruments appropriate? Do we sing and shout for joy, or are we too shy, too conservative for that? Is our conversation God-centered?
I will also praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, O my God; I will sing praises to you with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel. My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to you; my soul also, which you have redeemed. And my tongue will talk of your righteous help all the day long, for they have been put to shame and disappointed who sought to do me hurt. (Ps 21:22-24 ESV)
Does God keep protecting those who are His, who are reborn of Him?
We know that everyone who has been born of God does not sin, but the One who is born of God keeps him, and the evil one does not touch him. (1 John 5:18 HCSB)
In a dangerous world that takes advantage of people, who can rescue us reliably? You decide!
