Welcome to Day 2652 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me.
This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom
Day 2652 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 71:7-11 – Daily Wisdom
Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script – Day 2652
Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2652 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.
Today’s Wisdom Nugget is titled: A Public Spectacle, A Private Fear – A Trek Through Psalm 71:7-11
In our last conversation, we heard the psalmist, likely an older individual, express his lifelong trust in God, seeking refuge in Him as his unshakeable rock and fortress. He declared God as his hope from childhood, even from birth, and committed to shouting God’s praise forever. Now, as we move into verses 7 through 11, the psalmist reveals the painful reality of his present circumstances: he has become a public spectacle, and his enemies are taking advantage of his perceived weakness in old age, prompting a desperate plea to God not to abandon him.
This section vividly portrays the vulnerability of the elderly in ancient societies, which were often reliant on family and community support. To be abandoned by God, or even to appear to be abandoned, was not just a spiritual crisis but a social and existential threat. This psalm gives voice to that deep fear and the malicious exploitation of such weakness by adversaries. It’s a powerful lesson in enduring faith, even when outward appearances suggest otherwise.
So, let’s open our hearts and minds to these words of enduring trust amidst public scorn and private fear.
(Reads Psalm 71:7-8 NLT)
My life is an example to many, because you have been my strong refuge. That is why I can praise you always; I declare your glory all day long.
Guthrie Chamberlain: The psalmist opens this section with a striking self-assessment that appears, at first glance, to be a confident affirmation: “My life is an example to many, because you have been my strong refuge.” The Hebrew word translated “example” or “wonder” here (môp̄ēt) can also mean an “omen,” “sign,” or “prodigy.” In some contexts, it refers to something unusual or even ominous that people look at with curiosity or apprehension.
Given the psalmist’s previous laments about disgrace and later verses about enemies plotting his downfall, his “example” is likely not one of triumphant strength in the eyes of his adversaries. Instead, it suggests that his suffering, his perceived weakness, and his enduring faith have made him an object of intense public scrutiny. People are watching him, perhaps wondering if God truly stands with him, especially in his old age. He is a “sign” to them, a living question mark that tests their understanding of divine justice and faithfulness.
However, the psalmist immediately redefines this public perception through the lens of his faith: his life is an example to many, not because he is outwardly powerful or free from trouble, but “because you have been my strong refuge.” It is God’s unwavering faithfulness as his protector that makes his life a testament, even amidst his vulnerability. He is not defined by his public scorn or his age-related weakness, but by God’s consistent strength on his behalf.
This deep conviction about God’s faithfulness fuels his continued praise: “That is why I can praise you always; I declare your glory all day long.” Despite being a public spectacle, despite the plots against him, his lips are not silent. His praise is not a fleeting emotion but a constant, enduring declaration. “Always” and “all day long” signify a perpetual, unceasing commitment to worship. This is not just a Sunday morning activity; it’s a constant posture of the heart, a living response to the reality of God’s refuge.
Imagine a weathered lighthouse standing firm against relentless storms, its light shining steadily. People might marvel at how it withstands the battering, not because of its own inherent power, but because of its unshakeable foundation. The psalmist is that lighthouse, standing firm because of God, his “strong refuge,” and thus he continues to shine God’s glory through his enduring praise.
Now, let’s move into the truly poignant heart of this section, verses 9 through 11, where the psalmist expresses his deepest fear: abandonment in his old age.
(Reads Psalm 71:9-11 NLT)
Do not abandon me now that I am old. Don’t abandon me when my strength is failing. For my enemies are whispering about me. They are plotting against my life. They say, “God has deserted him! Chase him and catch him, for no one will help him now!”
Guthrie Chamberlain: Here, the psalmist’s vulnerability comes to the forefront with a raw, desperate plea: “Do not abandon me now that I am old. Don’t abandon me when my strength is failing.” This is a profound and very human fear, particularly in an ancient society where old age often meant diminishing physical strength, reduced social status, and increased dependence. Without the robust social safety nets we sometimes take for granted, the elderly could become highly vulnerable.
The psalmist is not just speaking metaphorically; he is acutely aware of his physical decline. He fears that as his strength diminishes, so too might God’s protective hand. This is a common human struggle: when our personal resources wane, we might fear that even God will pull away. This psalm validates that fear, while ultimately pointing to God’s enduring faithfulness. His prayer is not one of doubt in God’s ability, but a passionate plea to a God he has known his whole life: “Please, don’t leave me now, when I need You most.”
The reason for this intense plea is then revealed: the malicious scheming of his enemies: “For my enemies are whispering about me. They are plotting against my life.” These aren’t just loud public taunts; they are insidious whispers, secret schemes, and covert plots. The term “plotting against my life” indicates a deadly intent, a desire for his complete destruction.
The enemies are actively taking advantage of his perceived weakness and age. They are not merely observing his vulnerability; they are exploiting it.
And what are they whispering? Their malicious plot is founded on a terrible assumption about God: “They say, ‘God has deserted him! Chase him and catch him, for no one will help him now!’” This is the cruelest blow. The enemies are not just attacking the psalmist; they are attacking God’s reputation through him. They interpret his perceived weakness and suffering as a sign that God has abandoned him.
In the ancient Israelite worldview, God’s favor was often associated with prosperity and strength, while suffering could be (though not always correctly) interpreted as divine displeasure or abandonment. The enemies are using this cultural understanding to their advantage. They are publicly declaring, “God has deserted him!” – a claim designed to undermine both the psalmist’s faith and the faith of any who might come to his aid. If God has abandoned him, then who would dare help him? They see his age and weakness, infer God’s departure, and use this as a rallying cry for their attack: “Chase him and catch him, for no one will help him now!” They are convinced he is an easy target, utterly defenseless.
This is the ultimate betrayal and abandonment: not just by friends or family, but by the very divine protector on whom one has relied a lifetime. The psalmist’s fear is not just of physical harm, but of being utterly alone in his final years, stripped of all support, and seeing God’s name dishonored through his perceived abandonment.
Psalm 71:7-11 captures the profound anguish of an older person facing relentless adversaries who prey on perceived weakness, fueled by the terrible insinuation that God Himself has abandoned His faithful servant. Yet, even in this fear, the psalmist’s default response remains one of praise, and his plea is firmly rooted in the character of the God he has known his entire life.
What profound wisdom can we draw from this section for our Wisdom-Trek today?
Firstly, these verses validate the vulnerability that can accompany aging or periods of diminished strength. It’s natural to fear abandonment or exploitation when we feel weak. This psalm gives voice to that fear, reminding us that we are not alone in experiencing it.
Secondly, it highlights the cruel nature of enemies who take advantage of weakness and even use spiritual accusations to justify their malice. It’s a reminder that opposition can come in insidious forms, trying to undermine our faith and our reputation.
Thirdly, it provides a powerful model for prayer when facing such challenges. The psalmist doesn’t hide his fear, but he expresses it directly to God, appealing to God’s character and past faithfulness. “Do not abandon me” is a cry of desperate trust, not despair.
Finally, even when we feel like a “public example” of weakness or suffering, our true identity is found in God being our “strong refuge.” Our enduring praise, even in the face of scorn, becomes a powerful testimony to God’s unwavering faithfulness, even when others mistakenly believe He has abandoned us. Our very weakness, when surrendered to God, can become a platform for His strength.
Let us pray for steadfastness in our own moments of perceived weakness, knowing that our God will never abandon those who have made Him their lifelong refuge, and that our unwavering praise, even in old age, can powerfully declare His glory.
Guthrie Chamberlain: Thank you for joining me on this poignant trek through Psalm 71:7-11. I trust that this exploration of vulnerability, enduring faith, and God’s unwavering presence has resonated with your own journey. Join me again next time as we continue to seek and apply the timeless truths of God’s Word.
Reflect…
If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.’.
Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.
As we take this Trek together, let us always:
- Live Abundantly (Fully)
- Love Unconditionally
- Listen Intentionally
- Learn Continuously
- Lend to others Generously
- Lead with Integrity
- Leave a Living Legacy Each Day
I am Guthrie Chamberlain….reminding you to’ Keep Moving Forward,’ ‘Enjoy your Journey,’ and ‘Create a Great Day…Everyday! See you next time for more daily wisdom!
Transcript
Welcome to Day 2652 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me.
This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom
Day 2652 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 71:7-11 – Daily Wisdom
Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2652
Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2652 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.
Today’s Wisdom Nugget is titled: A Public Spectacle, A Private Fear - A Trek Through Psalm 71:7-11
In our last conversation, we heard the psalmist, likely an older individual, express his lifelong trust in God, seeking refuge in Him as his unshakeable rock and fortress. He declared God as his hope from childhood, even from birth, and committed to shouting God’s praise forever. Now, as we move into verses 7 through 11, the psalmist reveals the painful reality of his present circumstances: he has become a public spectacle, and his enemies are taking advantage of his perceived weakness in old age, prompting a desperate plea to God not to abandon him.
This section vividly portrays the vulnerability of the elderly in ancient societies, which were often reliant on family and community support. To be abandoned by God, or even to appear to be abandoned, was not just a spiritual crisis but a social and existential threat. This psalm gives voice to that deep fear and the malicious exploitation of such weakness by adversaries. It’s a powerful lesson in enduring faith, even when outward appearances suggest otherwise.
So, let’s open our hearts and minds to these words of enduring trust amidst public scorn and private fear.
(Reads Psalm 71:7-8 NLT)
My life is an example to many, because you have been my strong refuge. That is why I can praise you always; I declare your glory all day long.
Guthrie Chamberlain: The psalmist opens this section with a striking self-assessment that appears, at first glance, to be a confident affirmation: “My life is an example to many, because you have been my strong refuge.” The Hebrew word translated “example” or “wonder” here (môp̄ēt) can also mean an “omen,” “sign,” or “prodigy.” In some contexts, it refers to something unusual or even ominous that people look at with curiosity or apprehension.
Given the psalmist’s previous laments about disgrace and later verses about enemies plotting his downfall, his “example” is likely not one of triumphant strength in the eyes of his adversaries. Instead, it suggests that his suffering, his perceived weakness, and his enduring faith have made him an object of intense public scrutiny. People are watching him, perhaps wondering if God truly stands with him, especially in his old age. He is a “sign” to them, a living question mark that tests their understanding of divine justice and faithfulness.
However, the psalmist immediately redefines this public perception through the lens of his faith: his life is an example to many, not because he is outwardly powerful or free from trouble, but “because you have been my strong refuge.” It is God’s unwavering faithfulness as his protector that makes his life a testament, even amidst his vulnerability. He is not defined by his public scorn or his age-related weakness, but by God’s consistent strength on his behalf.
This deep conviction about God’s faithfulness fuels his continued praise: “That is why I can praise you always; I declare your glory all day long.” Despite being a public spectacle, despite the plots against him, his lips are not silent. His praise is not a fleeting emotion but a constant, enduring declaration. “Always” and “all day long” signify a perpetual, unceasing commitment to worship. This is not just a Sunday morning activity; it’s a constant posture of the heart, a living response to the reality of God’s refuge.
Imagine a weathered lighthouse standing firm against relentless storms, its light shining steadily. People might marvel at how it withstands the battering, not because of its own inherent power, but because of its unshakeable foundation. The psalmist is that lighthouse, standing firm because of God, his “strong refuge,” and thus he continues to shine God’s glory through his enduring praise.
Now, let’s move into the truly poignant heart of this section, verses 9 through 11, where the psalmist expresses his deepest fear: abandonment in his old age.
(Reads Psalm 71:9-11 NLT)
Do not abandon me now that I am old. Don’t abandon me when my strength is failing. For my enemies are whispering about me. They are plotting against my life. They say, “God has deserted him! Chase him and catch him, for no one will help him now!”
Guthrie Chamberlain: Here, the psalmist’s vulnerability comes to the forefront with a raw, desperate plea: “Do not abandon me now that I am old. Don’t abandon me when my strength is failing.” This is a profound and very human fear, particularly in an ancient society where old age often meant diminishing physical strength, reduced social status, and increased dependence. Without the robust social safety nets we sometimes take for granted, the elderly could become highly vulnerable.
The psalmist is not just speaking metaphorically; he is acutely aware of his physical decline. He fears that as his strength diminishes, so too might God’s protective hand. This is a common human struggle: when our personal resources wane, we might fear that even God will pull away. This psalm validates that fear, while ultimately pointing to God’s enduring faithfulness. His prayer is not one of doubt in God’s ability, but a passionate plea to a God he has known his whole life: “Please, don’t leave me now, when I need You most.”
The reason for this intense plea is then revealed: the malicious scheming of his enemies: “For my enemies are whispering about me. They are plotting against my life.” These aren’t just loud public taunts; they are insidious whispers, secret schemes, and covert plots. The term “plotting against my life” indicates a deadly intent, a desire for his complete destruction.
The enemies are actively taking advantage of his perceived weakness and age. They are not merely observing his vulnerability; they are exploiting it.
And what are they whispering? Their malicious plot is founded on a terrible assumption about God: “They say, ‘God has deserted him! Chase him and catch him, for no one will help him now!’” This is the cruelest blow. The enemies are not just attacking the psalmist; they are attacking God’s reputation through him. They interpret his perceived weakness and suffering as a sign that God has abandoned him.
In the ancient Israelite worldview, God’s favor was often associated with prosperity and strength, while suffering could be (though not always correctly) interpreted as divine displeasure or abandonment. The enemies are using this cultural understanding to their advantage. They are publicly declaring, “God has deserted him!” – a claim designed to undermine both the psalmist’s faith and the faith of any who might come to his aid. If God has abandoned him, then who would dare help him? They see his age and weakness, infer God’s departure, and use this as a rallying cry for their attack: “Chase him and catch him, for no one will help him now!” They are convinced he is an easy target, utterly defenseless.
This is the ultimate betrayal and abandonment: not just by friends or family, but by the very divine protector on whom one has relied a lifetime. The psalmist’s fear is not just of physical harm, but of being utterly alone in his final years, stripped of all support, and seeing God’s name dishonored through his perceived abandonment.
Psalm 71:7-11 captures the profound anguish of an older person facing relentless adversaries who prey on perceived weakness, fueled by the terrible insinuation that God Himself has abandoned His faithful servant. Yet, even in this fear, the psalmist’s default response remains one of praise, and his plea is firmly rooted in the character of the God he has known his entire life.
What profound wisdom can we draw from this section for our Wisdom-Trek today?
Firstly, these verses validate the vulnerability that can accompany aging or periods of diminished strength. It’s natural to fear abandonment or exploitation when we feel weak. This psalm gives voice to that fear, reminding us that we are not alone in experiencing it.
Secondly, it highlights the cruel nature of enemies who take advantage of weakness and even use spiritual accusations to justify their malice. It’s a reminder that opposition can come in insidious forms, trying to undermine our faith and our reputation.
Thirdly, it provides a powerful model for prayer when facing such challenges. The psalmist doesn’t hide his fear, but he expresses it directly to God, appealing to God’s character and past faithfulness. “Do not abandon me” is a cry of desperate trust, not despair.
Finally, even when we feel like a “public example” of weakness or suffering, our true identity is found in God being our “strong refuge.” Our enduring praise, even in the face of scorn, becomes a powerful testimony to God’s unwavering faithfulness, even when others mistakenly believe He has abandoned us. Our very weakness, when surrendered to God, can become a platform for His strength.
Let us pray for steadfastness in our own moments of perceived weakness, knowing that our God will never abandon those who have made Him their lifelong refuge, and that our unwavering praise, even in old age, can powerfully declare His glory.
Guthrie Chamberlain: Thank you for joining me on this poignant trek through Psalm 71:7-11. I trust that this exploration of vulnerability, enduring faith, and God’s unwavering presence has resonated with your own journey. Join me again next time as we continue to seek and apply the timeless truths of God’s Word.
Reflect…
If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.’.
Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.
As we take this Trek together, let us always:
Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day
I am Guthrie Chamberlain….reminding you to’ Keep Moving Forward,’ ‘Enjoy your Journey,’ and ‘Create a Great Day…Everyday! See you next time for more daily wisdom!
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