Psalm 71: Deliver Me From the Wicked

Introduction: Psalm 71 is a moving prayer, a plea of someone who has experienced the faithful love of God throughout their life and now, in old age, pleads for His continued presence and protection. The psalmist trusts in God as his refuge and fortress, the one who has delivered him from the time of his birth. He proclaims God’s righteousness and salvation, calling upon the Lord to not forsake him in his old age. This theological outline will delve into the beauty of Psalm 71, unfolding its themes in the light of the entire Bible.

I. Plea for God’s Protection and Presence (Psalm 71:1-4)
The psalmist begins by acknowledging God as his refuge, seeking His protection and deliverance from unrighteous and cruel people. This reflects the heart cry of Isaiah 25:4 where the prophet sees God as a refuge from the storm and a shadow from the heat. The psalmist’s plea echoes the cry of David in Psalm 31:3-4, where he prays for guidance and deliverance. It resonates with the prayer in 2 Thessalonians 3:2-3 where Paul asks for protection from wicked and evil men, trusting in the Lord’s faithfulness.

II. Proclaiming God’s Righteousness and Salvation (Psalm 71:5-8)
The Psalmist’s declaration of trust in God, who has been his hope and confidence from his youth, mirrors the sentiments of Jeremiah 17:7. His proclamation of God’s righteousness and salvation throughout the day is reminiscent of Isaiah 51:6 where the prophet speaks of the Lord’s righteousness and salvation lasting forever. The psalmist’s vow to praise God continually aligns with Apostle Paul’s exhortation in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances.

III. God’s Presence in Old Age and Weakness (Psalm 71:9-13)
The plea not to be forsaken in old age is an acknowledgement of human frailty and dependency on God’s unchanging nature, mirroring Isaiah 46:4 where God promises to be the same and carry His people even to old age. The psalmist’s assertion that God will sustain him aligns with 2 Corinthians 12:9, where Paul acknowledges God’s grace as sufficient in weakness. His confidence in God’s justice against his foes reflects the assurance in Romans 12:19 that vengeance belongs to God.

IV. Hope in God’s Faithfulness and Salvation (Psalm 71:14-16)
The psalmist’s hope in God is a reflection of the hope expressed in Romans 15:13. His determination to speak of God’s righteousness and salvation all the day is congruent with the exhortation in Ephesians 6:19 to speak boldly as we ought to speak. The psalmist’s confidence in the Lord as his Savior mirrors the faith of the writer of Hebrews 7:25, who declares that Jesus is able to save completely those who come to God through Him.

Conclusion: Psalm 71 unveils the beauty of a life lived in dependence on God, a life that proclaims His righteousness and salvation from youth to old age. It resonates with the hope and confidence in God expressed throughout the Bible, from the Old Testament prophets to the New Testament apostles. It inspires us to trust in God’s faithful love, to seek His protection, to declare His righteousness, and to hope in His salvation. It reassures us of His presence and care in every stage of life, encouraging us to keep praising, trusting, and hoping in the Lord.