Finding Refuge: David's Prayer in Psalm 71

Good morning! Let's dive into Psalm 71 today, and really pay attention to how David speaks to God there. It's a wonderful picture of trust and reliance.

God Our Strong Refuge

David starts right off the bat describing God in such powerful ways. In Psalm 71:3, he pleads, "Be my strong refuge to which I may resort continually." Think about that – continually. Not just when things get really bad, but as a constant habit. And he doesn't stop there; at the end of that same verse, he adds, "for You are my rock and my fortress." So God isn't just a safe place, but a solid foundation and an impenetrable stronghold. What comforting names for God when we feel vulnerable!

He continues this theme throughout the psalm. In Psalm 71:5, David declares, "For You are my hope, O Lord God; You are my trust from my youth." And later, even when David feels like he's become "a wonder to many" (perhaps in a negative sense, feeling exposed or distressed), he reiterates in Psalm 71:7, "but You are my strong refuge." So, when we find ourselves in trouble, difficulty, or just feeling completely overwhelmed, we can take a cue from David and see God as our strong refuge.

The Mechanism of Prayer

How do we enter this wonderful refuge? How do we access God's protection and deliverance? David also shows us the way. Right in Psalm 71:1-2, he prays:

In You, O Lord, I put my trust; Let me never be put to shame. Deliver me in Your righteousness, and cause me to escape; Incline Your ear to me, and save me.

Did you catch that? "Incline Your ear to me and save me." This tells us that the mechanism for entering this refuge, for being looked after and delivered by God, is prayer. We actively cry out to Him. We can make this kind of prayer a habit, just as David resorts to God "continually," whenever we feel in need. The wording, the sentiment, it's all laid out for us in this psalm, and in so many others throughout Scripture.

David's prayers aren't just one-off requests; he shows us that we can bring continual pleas before God. In Psalm 71:12, he implores, "O God, do not be far from me; O my God, make haste to help me!" This is a persistent, heartfelt cry for rapid intervention. We can be just as honest and persistent with our Heavenly Father.

And Always, Praise!

Once we've experienced God's help through prayer and our faith in Him, it's so important that we don't forget to give Him thanks and praise. David certainly didn't! In Psalm 71:6, he declares, "My praise shall be continually of You." And even more, in Psalm 71:14, he affirms, "But I will hope continually, And will praise You yet more and more." This isn't just for a moment after delivery, but a continuous posture of the heart.

He plans to speak of God's goodness to everyone, saying in Psalm 71:15, "My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness And Your salvation all the day; For I do not know their limits." David understands that God's goodness, His righteousness, and His salvation are boundless. And so, our praise should be too.

Let's follow David's lead today: run to God as our strong refuge, continually pray to Him when we're in need, and never forget to offer Him our unending praise and thanks.