Psalm 71

Written on 05/09/2024

Verses 1-9

  • God will be a continual refuge for You if you look to His Word and to prayer continually. God's commandments bring salvation. How so?

    • Obedience to the Word will bring relief and salvation from trouble in nearly all situations. When we follow the Word, we are kept from much harm. Focus on obeying God's Word, and you will know God to be a refuge.

    • If you are young, do this from your youth! Make a habit of seeking God in the day so your youth, and in your older age it will be better (Ecclesiastes 12).

      • Remember that God has been faithful from your youth. He took you from your mother's womb and kept you alive then, and when you were totally unaware! Of course you can trust Him now!

 

Verses 10-15

  • When enemies seek to harm you, praise God more and more! There is a limit to what the enemy can do to hurt you, but there is no known limit to the good that God has done and is doing for you.

    • We cannot possibly think of all the good that God does. In fact, His thoughts towards us are without number—greater than the number of every grain of sand on the planet (Psalm 139:17-18).

    • Remember this always, and talk of God's goodness all day long (verse 24)! Keep this form of praise on your mouth, and you will relieve your mind from much turmoil.

 

Verses 16-24

  • Young or old, we all need to praise and follow God. Speak and think of His righteousness, not your own. If you focus on your own ability and your own good works, you will be weak. We are frail without God!

  • But if you keep your mind on God's ability and His perfection, you will have strength in Him, and your actions will have His strength empowering you.

    • This is practical for how we live and make choices every day. To live better, simply focus on appreciation for what Christ has done for you, and this will give your strength to obey God's commands without it being a burden (1 John 5:3-4, Titus 2:11-12).

  • Verses 20-21. Sometimes we experience troubles, and other times greatness. Remember that God is involved in both and has a purpose in both (Ecclesiastes 7:14). 

  • Verses 22-23. At the very least, and this is great thing, remember that God has saved your soul from hell! If you want it to be easier to keep your mind on God, involve tools you have.

    • David used his singing, and his musical instruments. If you like music, use music to draw your mind! Make sure that everything around you, that you can control, is a means to keep your mind focused on godly things.

      • Make sure your music honors God, your friends honor God, your food honors God, your entertainment honors God, etc.