Show Don't Tell: Psalm 71

Instead of saying "An elderly person trusts God," hear a lifetime reviewed. "In you, LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame. In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me; turn your ear to me and save me. Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress." Echoes of other psalms—perhaps David in old age. "For you have been my hope, Sovereign LORD, my confidence since my youth. From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother's womb. I will ever praise you." Womb to now—lifelong dependence. "I have become a sign to many; you are my strong refuge. My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long." Then the aging fear: "Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone. For my enemies speak against me; those who wait to kill me conspire together. They say, 'God has forsaken him; pursue him and seize him, for no one will rescue him.'" Vultures circling the aging. "Do not be far from me, my God; come quickly, God, to help me." But confidence remains: "As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds, of your saving acts all day long—though I know not how to relate them all. Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come."