Section 1

Psalm 71 draws our attention to a truth that is often overlooked when Scripture is read too quickly: God is the Rock of our salvation, not a small stone we struggle to balance upon, but an immovable foundation that cannot be shaken. David’s plea in verse nine, asking God not to cast him off in old age or forsake him when strength fails, is not rooted in fear but in humility. He understands that as life progresses, strength fades and limitations become clearer, and rather than distancing himself from God, he leans in closer. This passage reminds us that growing older does not reduce our need for God; it increases it. Stability, footing, and endurance are found not in youth or energy, but in the Lord Himself, who remains steady when everything else shifts.

Section 2

As David continues, he acknowledges the reality of opposition, especially during seasons of weakness, when enemies assume that struggle or failure means God has abandoned His servant. This assumption is a profound misunderstanding of God’s character. A stumble does not indicate that God’s love has failed or withdrawn; in fact, God’s faithfulness consistently outlasts human frailty. The Lord is fully aware of every failure before it happens, and His affection does not waver. While people may withdraw or judge, God does not. His mercy, awareness, and love remain intact, even when circumstances appear to suggest otherwise, and no believer ever falls outside His care.

Section 3

David’s prayer culminates in two timeless cries: for God’s nearness and for God’s help. The nearness of God is the true answer to life, grounding us in confidence and direction, while the plea for haste reflects the urgency we feel in moments of pain and waiting. This tension defines faith—waiting with confidence while crying out in need. We trust God’s perfect timing even as we honestly express our longing for relief. Anchored on the Rock of our salvation, we learn to remain steadfast, resisting the urge to jump ahead of God’s work, and resting instead in the unchanging love of God and the eternal security we have in Jesus Christ, from whom nothing can ever separate us.