“I Have Taken” - Psalm 71 (Day 1)
Greetings, and welcome back to our Summer Sabbath devotionals.. Spending the past few months sitting with, meditating on, and soaking up the goodness of the book of Psalms has been a rewarding experience. During this time, we've learned about God's love and mercy, His presence and peace, and how God pursues us and displays His faithfulness. We also gained insight into the heart and soul of humanity and the depth of our emotions. This collection of songs and prayers speaks to the ups and downs of our faith journeys - doubts, distress, and despair in the same space where dependency, declaration, and determination reside. So as we turn our attention to our final passage, it makes sense that it would be Psalm 71 - a scripture overflowing with familiar themes and imagery from previous psalms. Before we begin, I want to provide space for you to pause and pray, asking God to reaffirm your faith through this week's meditation.
Not much is known about who wrote Psalm 71, with the author simply listed as anonymous. So while we do not have many details of the writer's life, the words likely come from someone advanced in age looking back over their life and faith journey. Reflecting on God's faithfulness through the years is needed for their present circumstances, as they face a dire situation. Adversaries look to take advantage of the author's depleting strength and frail stature. Believing God had abandoned him, they are ready to pounce. At this moment, the author calls upon the Lord to deliver him again - not just to save his life but to serve as a testimony to God's protection and presence for future generations.
Standing at 24 verses long, Psalm 71 is the most extensive piece of Scripture we've studied during our Summer Sabbath series. With this in mind, we will take advantage of sitting with a single psalm for a week by meditating on Psalm 71 in sections. Today, our focus will center on the opening four verses, where a prayer for deliverance rises up in a time of trouble.
Psalm 71:1-4 says this:
1 In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame.
2 In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me; 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, my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of those who are evil and cruel.
Take a moment to reflect on what you just read:
What familiar words, phrases or themes from our Sabbath Summer study appear in this passage?
Rather than opening up by describing his distress, the writer declares his trust in God's faithfulness. Facing affliction doesn’t stop him from directing his affection and attention toward God. Interestingly, these words are almost identical to the opening of another psalm - Psalm 31. Other parts of scripture make an appearance throughout this passage as well. However, this shouldn't diminish the author's point or make one question their sincerity.
In a way, these repeated references speak to a deeply rooted confidence while highlighting how God transforms our hearts and shapes our perspective when we renew our minds. The writer, whoever he might be, made studying and meditating on scripture a priority - a spiritual habit that defined his days. He soaked up every ounce of truth and wisdom. Words once written on paper made their way into his soul and then out of his lips. They became the language he utilized to describe his world and understand his circumstances - the vocabulary to express God's character and faithfulness.
Take a moment and consider…How are the words you’re using to describe your circumstances shaping your perspective and response to them?
Read today’s passage slowly one more time.
Psalm 71:1-4 says this:
1 In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame.
2 In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me; 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, my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of those who are evil and cruel.
"God is my rock, refuge, and fortress." These statements weren't theoretical, speculative, or merely conjecture on the author's part. He didn't hope God would be his protector; he knew this would be the case from personal experience. Time and time again, God showed Himself faithful. A fortress remains a fortress regardless if we take shelter underneath its roof - the comfort and security it provides just remains unused if we fail to show up. The same holds true for God and His protection and care for us. God never stops being a refuge in times of trouble because He can't; it's part of His nature.
Scripture says that when we cast our cares on God, we will experience a peace that passes all understanding. It tells us that He understands and empathizes with our weaknesses; in these moments, He wants to be our strength. God says His yoke is light and invites all of us who are weary and worn down to come to Him for rest. We read these things, memorize their truth, and recite them until we're blue in the face, but they mean very little if we don't put them into action. Knowing Scripture is one thing; trusting it enough to live it out is entirely different. One makes our heads full; the other provides security for our steps while simultaneously making our hearts come alive.
So, as we begin to wrap up our time together, we want to provide you some space to respond to what we read and maybe to what God is trying to say to you through Psalm 71. First, take a moment to process this question…Where do you comprehend in your head that God is your refuge and protector, but struggle to trust this truth with your heart and live it out?
Another question to consider is this…What is one tangible step you can take this week to place your trust in God being your refuge? What would it look like for you to take it?
PRAYER
Father God,
I don’t want to just know Your truth; I want to experience it through a bold faith.
When I proclaim You as my refuge and protector, may my words be rooted in personal experience.
May the words that come out of my mouth proclaim Your greatness.
All around me are visible expressions of Your presence, protection, and provision; give me eyes to see these beautiful examples of grace. Amen.