Psalm 71

1 In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame.

2 Rescue me and deliver me in your righteousness;
turn your ear to me and save me.

3 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.

4 Deliver me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked,
from the grasp of evil and cruel men.

5 For you have been my hope, O Sovereign LORD,
my confidence since my youth.

6 From birth I have relied on you;
you brought me forth from my mother's womb.
I will ever praise you.

7 I have become like a portent to many,
but you are my strong refuge.

8 My mouth is filled with your praise,
declaring your splendor all day long.

9 Do not cast me away when I am old;
do not forsake me when my strength is gone.

10 For my enemies speak against me;
those who wait to kill me conspire together.

11 They say, "God has forsaken him;
pursue him and seize him,
for no one will rescue him."

12 Be not far from me, O God;
come quickly, O my God, to help me.

13 May my accusers perish in shame;
may those who want to harm me
be covered with scorn and disgrace.

14 But as for me, I will always have hope;
I will praise you more and more.

15 My mouth will tell of your righteousness,
of your salvation all day long,
though I know not its measure.

16 I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, O Sovereign LORD;
I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone.

17 Since my youth, O God, you have taught me,
and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.

18 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.

19 Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God,
you who have done great things.
Who, O God, is like you?

20 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.

21 You will increase my honor
and comfort me once again.

22 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.

23 My lips will shout for joy
when I sing praise to you—
I, whom you have redeemed.

24 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.

This psalm was probably written as a prayer to God for help by someone in old age. The psalmist's enemies seeked to overcome him because they felt he was old and useless. And more importantly, perhaps they believed that God's presence has departed from him.

Is it true that when we grow old, God can't use us for His glory any more?

Apparently, the psalmist didn't believe in it. Throughout Psalm 71, he prayed with so much hope. Verse 14: "But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more." Verse 21: "You will increase my honor and comfort me once again." He even promised to praise the Lord with all his strength (verses 22-23).


There is hope, even in our twilight years (old age). God will not belittle us. He loves the old just as much as He loves little children.

Every time I attend the Hokkien (now it's Hokkien / Cantonese) Service at TC, I'm always filled with so much awe. This is because I saw many old aunties and uncles dancing before the Lord, lifting their praises to Him! I was so touched by the sight of this. I can almost feel the delight of the Lord when He looks down upon them from heaven.


I truly believe that God has a purpose for those who are older. Their wisdom and experience is plentiful and valuable. If only we can humble ourselves and learn from them.. The psalmist summed it up nicely with verse 18 "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." My response now is to really treat those that are older with love and respect.


Things to ponder
1. Do you have this idea that the elderly are useless and can't contribute much to society? If so, confess and repent before the Lord.
2. What do you think you will be doing when you reach the age of 60?
3. What do you think you will be doing for God when you reach the age of 60?
4. Pray and commit your twilight years to God. May He use you all the way until He takes you back home.