“You Will Restore” - Psalm 71 (Day 4)
Throughout his long life, the author of Psalm 71 faced periods of adversity, moments of misfortune, and times of trouble. Yet, as he reflected on God's faithfulness every step of the way, he remained confident God would be by his side during his present trials. Today, as we dig deeper into this passage, we'll see the transformational power in our difficult seasons. But, before we begin, I want to pause and provide you an opportunity to consider the challenging circumstances facing you right now. God invites us to take our concerns to Him. He empathizes with us and understands our struggle. So, empty your heart to God rather than keep all that tension, distress, and worry inside, trusting that He hears you.
Just like the author of Psalm 71, living in a broken world, we are bound to encounter times of trials at one point or another. Difficulty doesn't discriminate, and challenging times touch us all. Sometimes the distress comes from unforeseen circumstances. Other times the hurt and pain come from the words and actions (or lack thereof) of those around us. There are those occasions when the disappointment rests on our shoulders. We look in the mirror and are discouraged by the reflection. We let ourselves down. I picture. If we're brutally honest, we are disappointed in God on occasion. Our world shatters into a million pieces, and while picking up the shards, we wonder how a kind and loving God could allow things to unfold in the way they did. Then, confused and frustrated, we find ourselves wrestling with the question: WHY GOD?
Drawing not only from his personal experience with adversity but his decades of steadfast faith, I imagine the author looking each one of us in the eyes and saying, "Yes, disappointment is inevitable, the sting of our broken world is very much real - but hopelessness is optional." As you read today’s passage, pay close attention to the author’s response to his dire situation.
Psalm 71:19-21 says this:
19 Your righteousness, God, reaches to the heavens, you who have done great things. Who is like you, God?
20 Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up.
21 You will increase my honor and comfort me once more.
Take a moment to reflect on what you read:
What enabled the author to endure and still possess hope amid his challenging circumstances?
During our Summer Sabbath journey, we see how the book of Psalms reframes our concept of what it means to be blessed. The blessed individual isn't about external possessions but inner strength and dependency on God. The New Testament also echoes this sentiment; the Apostle Paul in James 1:12 says, "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him." The author of Psalm 71 recognized the restorative nature existing in his trials, and in a way, he counted that as a blessing.
We might not have any control over what happens TO us, but we have a say in how God works THROUGH us. Our character gets tested and formed when it meets adversity. The choice is ours whether we let our trials have the final word and halt us in our tracks or if we find the courage to dust ourselves off, take a step of faith and let perseverance finish its work. God doesn't waste anything. Instead, He uses everything, including our trials, struggles, and adversity. Just because we can't see God working doesn't mean He isn't up to something.
Take a moment and consider…What situations do you struggle with trusting that God uses everything for our good? How can God restore you through the times of trials you currently face?
Read today’s passage slowly one more time.
Psalm 71:19-21 says this:
19 Your righteousness, God, reaches to the heavens, you who have done great things. Who is like you, God?
20 Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up.
21 You will increase my honor and comfort me once more.
The tension many of us face amidst disappointment and trials is an unwillingness to let go of our dreams, hopes, and plans and embrace God's greater purpose for our life. Obstacles are opportunities in disguise. Our setbacks can set us up for a transformation we couldn't imagine on our own. We only experience this if we're willing to ask a better question. We can't stop at "Why, God?" A question like that leaves us stuck in the past, a place that can't be changed or fixed. Instead, we must turn around and look toward the future by asking, "What now, Lord?" By seeking this answer, we learn what our next step is - not only out of the land of trials but also into the future God has for us.
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…How can you move from “Why, God?” to asking, “What now, Lord?”
Another question to consider is this…What is one way you can be honest and pour out your problems to God this week?
PRAYER
Father God,
Restore my soul in my times of trouble.
Your love never fails and never disappoints.
Remind me of this when I encounter circumstances that have the power to steal my joy and question my faith.
Help me to see that You use my experiences, both the positive and the challenging, so I can better reflect Your heart and love to others. Amen.