Psalm 71:1

Psalm 71:1

A plea from old age

There is reason to believe that this Psalm is linked to the one that precedes it and that David is the writer of both. What is poignant about Psalm 71 is that it is obviously written by someone in their old age! That does not mean that all who are younger should overlook it, there are lessons for us all here. Maybe the writer is aware of his failing strengths and is also conscious that his enemies are sharpening their swords and looking to take advantage? Let’s unpack the song and see what pearls of wisdom will be presented to us.

 

v1        How many refuges have you sheltered in and what were they like? A simple shelter from the rain? A building to hide away in? The protective arms of mum and dad? A quiet place away from it all? There are so many forms of refuge but, as the words suggests, they are all places of safety and protection from danger. In today’s world people think of Women’s Refuges, places to hide from domestic abuse. Or we talk about refugees, those poor souls who flee from military or political danger or poverty and hope that someone will take pity on them. 

It is appropriate then, to call the Lord God our refuge. He is the One who we flee to when our spiritual enemies are threatening. He is our rock, our hiding place, our protector from danger and the only One we can trust completely. 

Shame comes when we are overwhelmed and have to give ground to the enemy. When our weaknesses are exposed, and we have no means of defence. We have all been shamed by Satan and his forces. We have all been exploited and broken by powers that are greater than us. The lesson of old age is that there is no point in fighting back, it is better to run to the safety of our Father than to try to fight alone. He is our Refuge. 

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