PSALM 71 — REVISED

The Prayer of a Seasoned Saint

Believers that have lived a life of faithfulness to the Lord bring spiritual security and stability to the life of the church. Here in Psalm 71, we can see the prayer of a believer that has lived a long life of faithfulness to the Lord. This mature believer is facing troubling circumstances from the wicked of the world and prays to God or help.

His prayer to God begins with a prayer of confidence in the Lord. From his youth he has taken refuge in the Lord (71:1,3), and has put his trust in God (71:5). He understands that all along it has been God that has protected him and made him secure. (71:5). He praises God for His glory-His attributes that have been seen throughout the psalmist’s life (71:8).

After expressing his confidence in the Lord the psalmist says a prayer to God for help. Just because one ages the schemes of the wicked do not stop. The aged saint sees his enemies colluding to bring him harm (71:10). They attack his faith (71:11) and say that he is all alone with no one to help him. The psalmists hears this and asks God to hasten to his help (71:12).

Even in the midst of great trouble the psalmist says a prayer of hope to the Lord. Unlike the wicked who will be ashamed and destroyed, the psalmist’s hope and praise will continue all the more (71:14). He will praise God in the midst of His people, for His mighty acts are beyond number (71:15-16).

The psalmist ends with a prayer of celebration to the Lord. God is his redeemer and Lord, and he will shout with joy at the greatness of the Lord (71:22-24). God is just, He will vindicate His people (71:24).

PSALM 65 — REVISED

Praise God Oh Ye Saints

David wants God’s people in this psalm to praise Him as they think about His great blessings upon them. This psalm gives three reasons why God should be praised.

First, God is our Saviour (65:1-4)! The most important blessings from the Lord are spiritual blessings. David says that God deserves reverence and praise for he answers prayers from all who truly seek Him, both Jews and Gentiles (1-2). David says that though sin overcomes us at times, God is a forgiving God (3). David reminds us that it is God that chooses those who would worship Him (4). God draws those whom He has chosen to Himself (Eph 1:4; Jn 6:44). Not only are believers chosen by God but they are allowed to “abide” in God’s presence This is more than any of us deserve. In God’s presence we taste of His goodness and are truly satisfied (65:4).

God is our Sovereign (65:5-8)! All believers should be encouraged to pray after reading of God’s awesome acts in the past in response to His people’s prayers (5). God has shown His awesome power in the creation of the mighty mountains, and His control of the mighty waves of the sea, and the destiny of the rebellious nations of the earth (6-8). All people are awed by the power and beauty of God’s creation (65:8).

God is our Sustainer (65:9-13)! We can look around us and see the great bounty that God brings to the earth (9-13). His people are truly blessed, not just with what they need, but with a great “overflow” (65:9). God as never stingy with His people; and His provision is inexhaustible.

Considering the great spiritual and physical blessings that God showers upon His people; let us sing His praises and give a joyful shout to Him (13).