But I will keep on hoping for Your help; I will praise You more and more” – Psalm 71:14.
In these words, the psalmist makes a purposeful declaration of faith. His words don’t say, “I will hope when things are good” or “I will praise You when I feel like it.” Instead, regardless of circumstances, a steadfast commitment to hope and praise inspires us to imitate his unwavering determination.
Hope isn’t born from comfortable circumstances but from a deep understanding of God’s character. When we anchor our hope in God’s unchanging nature rather than our changing situations, we find strength to praise Him even in life’s valleys.
I will tell everyone about Your righteousness. I will proclaim Your saving power all day long, though I am not skilled with words” – Psalm 71:15.
Here, we see that authentic hope naturally overflows into testimony. The psalmist doesn’t let his perceived inadequacies (“I am not skilled with words”) stop him from sharing God’s goodness. This is deeply encouraging for those nervous about sharing their faith. God doesn’t require eloquent speeches or theological expertise—He asks for willing hearts that testify to His faithfulness.
Our stumbling words, shared with sincere hearts, can become powerful witnesses to God’s work. Sometimes, the most powerful testimony is simply saying, “Let me tell you what God has done for me.” No matter how humble, each of our stories has the potential to inspire and encourage others, empowering us to share our experiences of God’s faithfulness.
I will praise Your mighty deeds, O Sovereign Lord. I will tell everyone that You alone are just” – Psalm 71:16.
The progression in these verses is not just beautiful, it’s a roadmap for our spiritual journey. We move from personal hope (verse 14) to public testimony (verse 15) to heartfelt worship (verse 16). The psalmist recognizes that true hope leads us to witness, and faithful witness culminates in worship. This progression guides our spiritual growth and deepens our relationship with God.
Notice how he addresses God as “Sovereign Lord”—acknowledging that God remains in control at all times and in all things. This verse reminds us that our hope isn’t based on wishful thinking but on God’s demonstrated character and mighty deeds throughout history, reassuring us of His sovereignty and giving us confidence in our hope.
When we reflect on these verses together, we see a powerful template for maintaining hope in all seasons:
1. We consciously hope and praise, regardless of our feelings or circumstances.
2. We share our experiences of God’s faithfulness with others, even if we feel inadequate.
3. We focus on God’s sovereign nature and just character, which gives us confidence that our hope is well-placed.
In today’s world, where hope seems to be in short supply, these ancient words offer us a timeless remedy. Whether facing health challenges, relationship struggles, or professional setbacks, remember that hope isn’t about feeling optimistic—it’s about trusting in God’s unchanging character.
When we align our perspective with the psalmist’s, we discover that hope isn’t just a fleeting emotion but a sturdy foundation for life.
May we hope, testify, and worship—not because life is perfect, but because our God is faithful.
Sovereign Lord, help us to maintain hope even in difficult times. Give us the courage to share our testimony with others, and let our lives be witnesses to Your faithfulness. Thank You for being our unchanging source of hope. Amen.
Exploring Our Faith: Questions for Reflection
1. How does the psalmist’s commitment to hope and praise inspire you when faced with challenges in life?
2. Can you think of a specific time when you had to remain hopeful despite difficult situations? What helped you during that time?
3. How does recognizing God as our Sovereign Lord affect how you view your hopes and challenges?