Homilist Psalm 71:1-24 In you, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion.… I. THE ENTREATIES of a pious old man. 1. Against evil. (1) Moral failure (ver. 1). (2) General danger (vers. 2, 4). (3) Divine desertion (ver. 9). 2. For good. (1) Divine protection (ver. 3). I want a "strong" refuge, a "habitation," where I shall feel sheltered from all storms. I want a habitation where I may "continually resort," one close at hand, always open to me. O God, be such a "habitation" to me, shivering on the margin of the awful future, the storms of retribution gathering around me. (2) The spirit of worship (ver. 8). II. The BLESSED MEMORIES of a pious old man. It is natural for age to turn to the past. What did this aged man remember in the past? 1. His youthful confidence (ver. 5). In the opening years of my life, I rested my soul on Thy love and Thy truth. My young heart went out to Thee, and on Thee it has settled. What a blessed memory is this! What a contrast to the memory of the old profligate who remembers his rebellions, his blasphemies, etc. 2. God's goodness to him from his earliest days (ver. 6). Thou didst take care of me in helpless infancy, and all through life. Thy very love has been marvellous. "I am as a wonder unto many." "O God, Thou hast taught me from my youth." Taught me the true theory both of duty and of happiness. III. The EXALTED CONTEMPLATIONS of a pious old man (ver. 19). IV. The UNFAILING CONFIDENCE of a pious old man (vers. 20, 21). Though he had been subjected to great and sore troubles — and what aged man has not met with such troubles? — his trust was unabated, and he says, "Thou shalt quicken me again," etc. However feeble I become, though I sink into the depths of the earth, Thou wilt revive me; nay, more, "Thou shalt increase my greatness," etc. I infer from the character of Thy past conduct to me that I shall not be allowed to sink into extinction, dishonour, or misery. Thou wilt raise me, dignify me, and "comfort me on every side." God grant us all this unfailing confidence in old age! "Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him." V. A NOBLE RESOLUTION of a pious old man (vers. 22-24). (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion.WEB: In you, Yahweh, I take refuge. Never let me be disappointed. |
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