Lord of the past and future

Sovereign Lord, I put my hope in you;
I have trusted in you since I was young.
I have relied on you all my life;
you have protected me since the day I was born.
I will always praise you. (verses 5,6)

Read Psalm 71:1–6

As I’ve grown older and time seems to fly by on golden wings, I’ve become more and more aware of God’s guidance, protection and rich blessings in my life. Looking back, I can give thanks and praise to God as I see that everything really has worked together for my good. I can identify with the writer of today’s psalm, who is also thanking and praising God for his love and protection throughout their life.

I also know that, just as God was always there for me in the past, he will also be there for me in the future, and so I have nothing to fear.

This reading can truly be the prayer of an elderly person, someone who is looking to the future with trust, knowing that God is there too.

You too can say, ‘Sovereign LORD, I put my hope in you … I will always praise you.’

Thank you, Lord, for all you give me day by day. Thank you for making me your child and for giving me your fatherly protection. Continue to watch over me in the future. Amen.

Adapted by Lutheran Media, from a devotion written by Grace Bock, in “Refreshment for each day” (LCA, Openbook Publishers)

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