Psalm 71
August 21, 2022
Father, Son, Holy Spirit, Our lips shout for joy and sing praises to you because you have redeemed us. You have saved us, even in the pit of despair, you have not abandoned us, you are faithful, and you rescue us. We praise you Lord. We are reminded to take refuge in you and you alone. This Psalm does not remind us to seek safety in a bunker, or with strength of arms, or money or possessions, this psalmist takes refuge in the Lord God alone.
The refuge that the Lord provides is not an underground bunker hidden from the rest of the world. We live in a world with community and hostility. A world where people are encouraged and strengthen in community, and a world with enemies that envy and want to destroy our hope and refuge. Our trust in you is a sign to the rest of the world, we receive the blessing and you receive the glory. You Lord are glorified when we place our trust in you, when others see your goodness. We praise you publicly because you are worthy of it all.
Almost all of us experience troubles or calamities of some degree every day. We experience troubles that are physical, mental, or emotional and other types. There are voices out there that try to tell us it is hopeless. The refuge you provide is not immunity from all trouble, it is the promise that you will be with us, and that gives us hope. You have been faithful in the past, you are steadfast now, and you will rescue and comfort us again in the future. The psalmist response to trouble and calamity is praise to the Lord, more and more. We so easily get swamped in misery and continue to roll in it. In those times, give us strength to look to you, and remind us to praise you for the good you have done and will do. And may you be glorified to the rest of the world, and the enemy put to shame, one person at a time.