Psalms 71

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with the psalmist expressing his trust in God and asking for deliverance from his enemies (Psalms 71:1-4). He then reflects on his life and how God has been his hope and trust since his youth (Psalms 71:5-8). The psalmist prays for God to not forsake him in his old age, but to continue to use him to declare God's righteousness and salvation (Psalms 71:9-18). He expresses his desire to praise God and declare His greatness, even in the face of adversity (Psalms 71:19-24). The chapter concludes with the psalmist's confidence in God's faithfulness and his desire to continue trusting in Him, even in his old age (Psalms 71:22-24).

Context for the Chapter

Psalms 71 is part of the fifth book of Psalms, which includes Psalms 107-150. This book is often referred to as the 'Hallelujah Psalms' because many of the psalms in this book begin or end with the phrase 'Hallelujah', which means 'Praise the Lord'. The chapter is also part of a larger narrative that reflects on God's faithfulness and goodness, and how He delivers and protects His people. This narrative is closely tied to the story of the Israelites and their experiences in the wilderness, as well as their trust in God's covenant promises.

Heart Application

The chapter encourages readers to trust in God's faithfulness and goodness, regardless of their circumstances. It reminds us that God is our hope and trust, and that He will deliver and protect us from our enemies. As we reflect on our own lives, we can apply the psalmist's trust and confidence in God, and pray for God to continue to use us to declare His righteousness and salvation, even in our old age.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Psalms 71 is a prayer of an elderly person who is trusting in God's faithfulness and goodness. The psalmist expresses confidence in God's ability to deliver and protect him, and he prays for continued faithfulness and boldness in his old age. In Psalms 71:1, the psalmist says, 'In You, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame.' This verse shows us that we can trust in God, no matter what our circumstances are.

Voices from the Church

“The psalmist's trust in God is a great encouragement to us, for it shows us that even in the darkest of times, God is faithful and good. As Spurgeon notes, 'The Lord is our refuge, our strength, and our deliverer'.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The psalmist's awareness of his old age is a reminder to us to not take our lives for granted, but to trust in God's sovereignty and providence. Calvin writes, 'We must learn to trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, even when our bodies are weak and our lives are nearing their end'.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction (Psalms 71:1-4) — The psalmist introduces his prayer by expressing his trust in God and asking for deliverance from his enemies.
2. Reflection on God's Faithfulness (Psalms 71:5-8) — The psalmist reflects on his life and how God has been his hope and trust since his youth.
3. Prayer for Deliverance (Psalms 71:9-13) — The psalmist prays for God to not forsake him in his old age, but to continue to use him to declare God's righteousness and salvation.
4. Confidence in God's Faithfulness (Psalms 71:14-18) — The psalmist expresses his confidence in God's faithfulness and goodness, and he trusts in God's ability to deliver him from his enemies.
5. Conclusion (Psalms 71:19-24) — The psalmist concludes his prayer by expressing his desire to praise God and declare His greatness, even in the face of adversity.

Core Doctrines

The Sovereignty of God

The chapter teaches us about the sovereignty of God, who is able to deliver and protect His people, regardless of their circumstances. In Psalms 71:1-4, the psalmist expresses his trust in God's ability to deliver him from his enemies, which reflects God's sovereignty over all things.

The Faithfulness of God

The chapter also teaches us about the faithfulness of God, who is always true to His promises and covenant. In Psalms 71:5-8, the psalmist reflects on God's faithfulness throughout his life, which gives him confidence in God's ability to deliver him in his old age.

The Importance of Trust

The chapter emphasizes the importance of trust in God, which is rooted in His faithfulness and goodness. In Psalms 71:1, the psalmist says, 'In You, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame,' which shows us that trust in God is essential for our spiritual well-being.

The Value of Old Age

The chapter also teaches us about the value of old age, which is a time of reflection, trust, and dependence on God. In Psalms 71:9-13, the psalmist prays for God to not forsake him in his old age, but to continue to use him to declare God's righteousness and salvation, which shows us that old age is not a time of retirement, but of continued service to God.

Lessons from Psalms 71

1. Lesson 1: Trust in God's Faithfulness — The chapter teaches us to trust in God's faithfulness and goodness, regardless of our circumstances. This lesson is essential for our spiritual well-being, as it helps us to trust in God's sovereignty and providence.
2. Lesson 2: Dependence on God — The chapter also teaches us about the importance of dependence on God, especially in our old age. This lesson helps us to recognize our limitations and weaknesses, and to trust in God's strength and power.
3. Lesson 3: Declaration of God's Righteousness — The chapter emphasizes the importance of declaring God's righteousness and salvation to others, even in our old age. This lesson helps us to see the value of our lives, even in our old age, and to use our experiences to glorify God.
4. Lesson 4: Reflection on God's Faithfulness — The chapter teaches us to reflect on God's faithfulness throughout our lives, and to use those reflections to trust in Him more deeply. This lesson helps us to see God's faithfulness and goodness, even in the midst of adversity, and to trust in His sovereignty and providence.
5. Lesson 5: Confidence in God's Ability to Deliver — The chapter also teaches us to have confidence in God's ability to deliver and protect us, regardless of our circumstances. This lesson helps us to trust in God's power and strength, and to see Him as our refuge and deliverer.

Themes from Psalms 71

1. Theme 1: Trust in God — The chapter emphasizes the importance of trust in God, which is rooted in His faithfulness and goodness. This theme is essential for our spiritual well-being, as it helps us to trust in God's sovereignty and providence.
2. Theme 2: God's Faithfulness — The chapter also teaches us about God's faithfulness, which is a central theme of the Bible. This theme helps us to see God's faithfulness and goodness, even in the midst of adversity, and to trust in His sovereignty and providence.
3. Theme 3: Old Age — The chapter teaches us about the value of old age, which is a time of reflection, trust, and dependence on God. This theme helps us to see the value of our lives, even in our old age, and to use our experiences to glorify God.
4. Theme 4: Declaration of God's Righteousness — The chapter emphasizes the importance of declaring God's righteousness and salvation to others, even in our old age. This theme helps us to see the value of our lives, even in our old age, and to use our experiences to glorify God.
5. Theme 5: Confidence in God's Ability to Deliver — The chapter also teaches us to have confidence in God's ability to deliver and protect us, regardless of our circumstances. This theme helps us to trust in God's power and strength, and to see Him as our refuge and deliverer.

Questions for Meditation

1. What are some ways that you can trust in God's faithfulness and goodness, even in the face of adversity?
2. How can you apply the psalmist's confidence in God's ability to deliver and protect him to your own life?
3. What are some ways that you can declare God's righteousness and salvation to others, even in your old age?
4. How can you trust in God's sovereignty and providence, even when your body is weak and your life is nearing its end?
5. What are some ways that you can reflect on God's faithfulness throughout your life, and how can you use those reflections to trust in Him more deeply?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Psalms 71

	Sermon	Description
	What Is Your Life by Leonard Ravenhill	This sermon reflects on the hymn sung, acknowledging the millions still without God and the hope of a future gathering in heaven. It emphasizes enduring trials with God's guidance,
	The Open Hand of God by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of observing a small duck swimming against a powerful stormy ocean. Through this observation, the speaker reflects on the d
	The Christian Race by Keith Daniel	In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of participating in a race. Initially, the speaker starts running with enthusiasm but soon realizes that they are the only
	Our Motto by C.H. Spurgeon	In this sermon, the preacher describes a scenario of a bondsman under a tyrant master who is enduring cruelties and feels hopeless in his situation. The bondsman, who is also a Chr
	Contributions of the 1st and 2nd Awakening by Winkie Pratney	This sermon delves into the importance of surrendering our hearts to God, emphasizing the need for a perfect heart devoted to Him, exploring the concept of holiness and the obligat
	Memoirs of the Revivalist by Robert Wurtz II	In this sermon, the preacher shares a powerful testimony of a man who was transformed by God. The man had previously come with a gun to harm the preacher, but after encountering Go
	(2 Samuel) the Sweet Psalmist and the Mighty Men by David Guzik	In this sermon, the speaker discusses a short psalm written by David towards the end of his life. The psalm contains wisdom and lessons from David's life. The speaker admires David
	Ephesians 1 - Pauls Prayer - Part 6 by Gareth Evans	This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding Christian hope, which is not based on uncertainty but on eager expectation and assurance in God's promises. The speaker contr
	Five Stones - Part 2 by Bakht Singh	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing God and making Him known to all generations. He uses the example of David, who was chosen by God to be king despite
	Give to Jesus Glory by Earle Maxwell	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a song of testimony in our lives. He shares a personal experience of traveling in the Philippines and witnessing the

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Psalms 71

Matthew Henry's commentary on Psalms 71 emphasizes the importance of trust in God's faithfulness and goodness, even in the face of adversity and old age. Henry notes that the psalmist's trust in God is rooted in His faithfulness and goodness, which is reflected in His deliverance and protection of His people. Henry also emphasizes the importance of reflection on God's faithfulness throughout one's life, and the value of declaring God's righteousness and salvation to others, even in old age. As Henry writes, 'The psalmist's trust in God is a great encouragement to us, for it shows us that even in the darkest of times, God is faithful and good.' Henry's commentary also highlights the significance of the psalmist's old age, which shows us that even in our old age, we can trust in God's faithfulness and goodness, and we can continue to declare His righteousness and salvation to others. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

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