Today is my birthday, and so I decided to do a Biblegateway.com search of the Psalms for one that talks about God being our hope from childhood. I found Psalm 71, and have posted the first nine verses of it. With this Psalm, I do praise God for my life because He has been my strength and protection through so many trials, and He has been my hope even when times are good. He has rescued me from the eternal consequences of death apart from Him, and protects me from the wiles of the devil. It truly is no wonder that I am always praising Him!
I love verse 7. I have had people tell me that my life is a good example, though sometimes I don’t feel like I am. But I know that the only reason I can be a good example is because of His Holy Spirit giving me strength and protection; it is only because of the wisdom that comes from Him alone.
Psalm 71
1 O Lord, I have come to you for protection;
don’t let me be disgraced.
2 Save me and rescue me,
for you do what is right.
Turn your ear to listen to me,
and set me free.
3 Be my rock of safety
where I can always hide.
Give the order to save me,
for you are my rock and my fortress.
4 My God, rescue me from the power of the wicked,
from the clutches of cruel oppressors.
5 O Lord, you alone are my hope.
I’ve trusted you, O Lord, from childhood.
6 Yes, you have been with me from birth;
from my mother’s womb you have cared for me.
No wonder I am always praising you!
7 My life is an example to many,
because you have been my strength and protection.
8 That is why I can never stop praising you;
I declare your glory all day long.
9 And now, in my old age, don’t set me aside.
Don’t abandon me when my strength is failing.