Seder 23: Psalm 71---Praying with Confidence

 In Psalm 71 the psalmist is undergoing a severe trial and prays for rescue.  He does so with confidence, based on a lifetime of walking with God.

"For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O Lord, from my youth.  Upon you I have leaned from before my birth; you are he who took me from my mother's womb" (vv 5-6).  

Indeed, he would not be alive if God had not brought him safely into the world. 

Over the years God had been there for him again and again, in more ways than he could count:

"But I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more.  My mouth will tell of your righteous acts, of your deeds of salvation all the day, for their number is past my knowledge" (vv 14-15).  

He hoped for the opportunity to continue proclaiming God's goodness for some time to come (vv 17-24).

It is also worthwhile to see this Psalm in corporate terms, with a faithful congregation praying together and rehearsing God's great works through history.  God had 

• called the patriarchs and matriarchs;
• protected their extended family in Egypt;
• rescued them from slavery with great miracles;
• brought them back to the land of Canaan;
• brought the nation to prominence during the time of David and Solomon;
• stayed with them during a time of exile;
• and helped his people in countless ways, ultimately sending the Messiah.

We can connect with this Psalm both individually and corporately, rehearsing the uncountable examples of God's grace.