4 Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man. 5 For You are my hope, O Lord God; You are my trust from my youth. (Psalm 71:4-5)
Evil, cruel people prey upon the aged. They are vulnerable, an easy target for the unscrupulous. Yet, even in old age there is refuge in the Lord. He protects and delivers those who put their trust in Him. Psalm 71 is the prayer of an aged man for God’s deliverance from ruthless predators (v. 1-4). He put his trust and hope in the Lord from his youth, enduring many trials of faith through which the Lord had delivered him (v. 5-6). Instead of becoming despondent as life drew to its end, he was more devoted to praising God and declaring the Lord’s power to the next generation (v. 7, 17-18, 22). This aged saint also told others of God’s salvation and righteousness (v. 14-15, 24). Follow his example and be a beacon of light in your old age. Imitate his faith and exclaim, “O God, do not be far from me; O my God, make haste to help me!” because “You are my rock and my fortress” (v. 12, 3).
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