Reflections on Psalms 71

In you, O Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame. Rescue me and deliver me in your righteousness; turn your ear to me and save me.

Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. Deliver me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of evil and cruel men. Oh God you have delivered me, you have rescued me, and you continue the process! My heart if so filled with gratitude that you have freed me, and I can always run to you.

For you have been my hope, O Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth. YOU ARE MY HOPE! Thank you – it’s in you alone that I place my confidence.

From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother's womb. I will ever praise you. I have become like a portent to many, but you are my strong refuge.
My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long. Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone.For my enemies speak against me; those who wait to kill me conspire together. They say, "God has forsaken him; pursue him and seize him, for no one will rescue him." Be not far from me, O God; come quickly, O my God, to help me. OH God you have continually helped me even when I could not see for my own pain and sin You have rescued me and continue to fight my enemy. I will praise Your name, for you alone are worthy.


May my accusers perish in shame; may those who want to harm me be covered with scorn and disgrace. But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure. Father there is a part of me that wants to pray that you would harm those who have hurt me in the past and those who would hurt me now. But I pray that you would be the righteous and loving God I know you to be. I pray that they might know your love and your justice in a way that they might come to you. Father you alone have the right to judge, to punish – I leave them in your hands.

I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, O Sovereign Lord; I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone. Since my youth, O God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. God I will tell others of the wonderful things you have done. How can I possible keep them to myself? You have done a miracle, should I not shout that from the mountains?

Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come. Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God, you who have done great things. Who, O God, is like you? Oh God continue to use me, continue to deliver me from the wickedness of my heart. Help me to live a life that will declare your righteousness to all that come behind me!

Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once again. I will praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, O my God; I will sing praise to you with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel. My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you-- I, whom you have redeemed. My tongue will tell of your righteous acts all day long, for those who wanted to harm me have been put to shame and confusion. Oh God my heart swells with love for you. I have see troubles, many and bitter but you God have restored what the locusts have eaten. You have brought me to life again. You alone have given my honor. Oh Father how can I do anything but love you and sing praise to you. My lips should shout for joy, for they can not help it because of what you have done! In you have I no more shame.