The Book of Psalms (30-Day Journey)Sample

A Legacy of Faith

Though Psalm 71 bears no title or explicit author, most Bible scholars believe, based on internal evidence, that it was penned by David in the later years of his life—possibly during the crisis of Absalom’s rebellion. Whether or not David was the author, the psalm clearly reflects the voice of an aged believer who has weathered the storms of life and remains steadfast in faith. This “gray-haired” psalmist echoes prayers from his youth, now enriched by the wisdom of experience and the deep assurance of God’s enduring faithfulness. Charles Spurgeon beautifully captures the spirit of this psalm: “We have here the prayer of the aged believer, who in holy confidence of faith, strengthened by a long and remarkable experience, pleads against his enemies, and asks further blessings for himself.”

The psalm presents a striking image—an older man, looking back over a lifetime of both regret and redemption. He reflects not only on his failures but also on the moments he got it right: when he trusted God, chose the path of righteousness, and worshiped with a sincere heart. Now, in his later years, he seeks to pass on those lessons—to become a voice of wisdom and encouragement to a younger generation that desperately needs to get this right.

Psalm 71 is rich with allusions to earlier psalms, reinforcing the idea of spiritual continuity. Verses 1–3 closely mirror Psalm 31:1–3. Verse 5 reflects the thoughts of Psalm 22:9–11, while verse 12 echoes Psalm 22:11. Verse 13 is reminiscent of Psalm 35:26, and verse 18 picks up the theme of generational praise seen in Psalm 22:22 and 30–31. These cross-references strengthen the psalm’s tone of remembrance and reinforce the idea of passing down a legacy of faith. What a powerful image—an elderly believer remembering moments of courage, worship, and divine deliverance. These memories aren’t just sentimental; they are spiritual anchors. We, too, can recall God’s faithfulness in our past, and that remembrance can give us the courage to trust Him for the future. The God who never failed us then will not fail us now.

A few phrases in this psalm stand out for the aged believer: “In you, O LORD, I put my trust.” Even at the end of life, we are reminded that placing our trust in anything other than God is folly. God alone is the solid rock—our deliverer, our fortress, our hope since youth.

“Do not cast me off in the time of old age; do not forsake me when my strength fails.” (Psalm 71:9 NKJV) New challenges arise in old age, but the Psalmist knows the same God who sustained him in his youth is faithful still. His plea is not out of despair, but out of confident hope in a God who never changes.

Psalm 71 is a beautiful blend of petition and praise. There will be hardships—but God is our peace. There will be temptations—but God is our strength. There will be sorrow—but God is always good. The same God who walked with us in our early days will walk with us to the very end.

Finally, the Psalmist’s desire is not just personal deliverance but spiritual legacy: “Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation…” (Psalm 71:18 NKJV) This desire to proclaim God's goodness to the next generation is a key theme in Scripture—and one often neglected. When one generation fails to pass on the knowledge of God, the result is always spiritual and moral decline. This psalm stands as a safeguard against that failure. It is a call for every believer to live in such a way that their testimony endures beyond their years. Psalm 71 is the heartfelt prayer of someone who, while far from perfect, placed their hope and trust in a perfect God. It is reminiscent of Jesus’ parable in Matthew 25 (NIV), where the faithful servant hears the words: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” May we all live with that end in view.