Psalm 71: Preserve My Life For Your Glory! 

In the heart of the Psalms, amidst prayers for help and songs of praise, there’s a powerful message from King David that resonates through time in Psalm 71. It’s not just a request for safety or deliverance from his troubles; it’s a plea with a purpose. David asks God to preserve his life, but not for the sake of longevity alone. He seeks preservation so that he can continue to proclaim God’s glory, specifically to the next generation. This plea is a profound reflection on the purpose of life and the legacy of faith.

David’s approach to his relationship with God is not passive; it’s active and intentional. He says, “With the mighty deeds of the Lord God I will come; I will remind them of your righteousness, yours alone.” From his youth to his old age, David’s life has been a testament to God’s greatness. His request, “O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation,” highlights a deep desire to ensure that the stories of God’s faithfulness and power are passed down. He recognizes that his time is limited, but the message of God’s righteousness and the stories of His wonders must continue to be told.

What’s truly captivating about David’s request is the clarity of his mission. He understands that his life’s purpose extends beyond his personal achievements or the battles he’s won. His ultimate goal is to glorify God by sharing His deeds with those who will live after him. This perspective shifts the focus from self-preservation to the preservation of God’s legacy through human stories. David’s plea challenges us to consider our own lives: Are we living in a way that proclaims God’s glory to the next generation?

David’s specific mention of wanting to tell the next generation about God’s deeds before he passes on isn’t just about ensuring his personal story is told; it’s about making sure that the knowledge of God’s goodness and power is never lost. As one generation fades and another rises, David’s commitment serves as a reminder that the story of God’s faithfulness must be a continuous thread, woven through the fabric of our history and our future.

The beauty of David’s heart lies in his recognition that while human beings are temporal, the word and glory of God are eternal. His plea to “preserve my life for Your glory” is a call to all of us to live lives that echo God’s righteousness, power, and love to every generation we touch. It’s a reminder that our greatest achievement may not be what we accomplish in our lifetime but what we pass on to the generations that follow. As we reflect on David’s words, let us ask ourselves: How are we using our time, our stories, and our lives to proclaim God’s might to the next generation and beyond?

Psalm 71 (English Standard Version)

Forsake Me Not When My Strength Is Spent

¹⁶ With the mighty deeds of the Lord God I will come;
    I will remind them of your righteousness, yours alone.

¹⁷ O God, from my youth you have taught me,
    and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds.
¹⁸ So even to old age and gray hairs,
    O God, do not forsake me,
until I proclaim your might to another generation,
    your power to all those to come.
¹⁹ Your righteousness, O God,
    reaches the high heavens.
You who have done great things,
    O God, who is like you?