Psalms 71 as a Source of Hope for Counselees
Psalm 71 is a rich source of hope for counselees, expressing the psalmist's trust in God amidst adversity. The psalm begins with a declaration of refuge in God: "In you, Yahweh, I take refuge. Never let me be disappointed" [2]. This sentiment is echoed throughout the psalm, as the psalmist affirms God's role as a "strong refuge" [3].
The psalmist's confidence in God is rooted in his past experiences of God's faithfulness. He recalls that God has been his "hope, Lord Yahweh; my confidence from my youth" [4]. This recollection serves as a foundation for his present hope, as he prays for deliverance and rescue: "Deliver me in your righteousness, and rescue me. Turn your ear to me, and save me" [5].
One of the key themes in Psalm 71 is the psalmist's aging and his continued trust in God despite the challenges he faces. According to Matthew Henry, this psalm was likely written by David in his old age, possibly during the time of Absalom's rebellion [7]. The psalmist's age is significant, as it highlights his long-standing relationship with God and his continued reliance on Him.
The psalmist's hope is not limited to his present circumstances but extends to the future. He expresses his confidence that God will "lift me up from the depths" and "increase my honor, and comfort me again" [1, 9]. This hope is grounded in God's righteous character, which provides encouragement and strength in the midst of suffering [6].
The themes and motifs in Psalm 71 are echoed in other psalms. For example, the idea of God as a refuge is also present in Psalm 31, where the psalmist encourages the godly to find refuge in the Lord and wait for his salvation [8]. The concept of God's comfort is also linked to the psalmist's sense of being alive, as seen in Psalm 119:50 and Psalm 23:4, 6 [10].
In the context of counseling, Psalm 71 offers a powerful message of hope. The psalmist's trust in God, despite his advanced age and adversity, serves as a model for counselees facing their own challenges. As Jamieson, Fausset & Brown note, having God as one's portion is the foundation of hope [11]. The psalmist's confidence in God's faithfulness and righteousness provides a rich resource for those seeking comfort and guidance.
Sources
- Psalms “Increase my honor, and comfort me again. -- Psalms 71:21”
- Psalms “In you, Yahweh, I take refuge. Never let me be disappointed. -- Psalms 71:1”
- Psalms “I am a marvel to many, but you are my strong refuge. -- Psalms 71:7”
- Psalms “For you are my hope, Lord Yahweh; my confidence from my youth. -- Psalms 71:5”
- Psalms “Deliver me in your righteousness, and rescue me. Turn your ear to me, and save me. -- Psalms 71:2”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 71:19: 71:19-21 God’s righteous character provides encouragement and strength in the midst of suffering. The wounded psalmist confesses faith in God’s ability to transform his misery and weakness into abundant life.”
- Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 71 (introduction): David penned this psalm in his old age, as appears by several passages in it, which makes many think that it was penned at the time of Absalom's rebellion; for that was the great trouble of his later days. It might be occasioned by Sheba's insurrection, or some trouble that happened to him in that part of his life of which it was foretold that the sword should not depart from his house. But he is not over-particular in representing his case, because he intended it for the general use of God's people in their afflictions, especially those they meet wit”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 31:1: Ps 31 The psalmist encourages the godly to find refuge in the Lord and wait for his salvation. Despite having had a death-like experience, he testifies to the Lord’s faithfulness. This psalm foreshadows the suffering of Jesus (Luke 23:46). 31:1-5 The Lord offers refuge to anyone who comes to him for protection. The psalmist trusts in and submits to the Lord. See also 71:1-3.”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 71:20: 71:20 lift me up from the depths: The psalmist hopes for the renewal of an abundant earthly life. This later became grounds for belief in the resurrection of the dead.”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 71:21: 71:21 Being assured of God’s comfort also assures the poet of God’s presence, care, and goodness (23:4, 6; 86:17). God’s comfort enhances the psalmist’s sense of being alive (see 119:50).”
- Lamentations (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Lamentations 3:24: (Num 18:20; Psa 16:5; Psa 73:26; Psa 119:57; Jer 10:16). To have God for our portion is the one only foundation of hope.”