How does Psalm 71:11 challenge us to trust God despite others' doubts? Verse in Focus “ ‘God has forsaken him; pursue him and seize him, for there is no one to rescue him.’ ” (Psalm 71:11) What the Doubters Say • Enemies pronounce a verdict: “God has abandoned you.” • They assume lack of visible rescue equals divine absence. • Their goal is intimidation—undermining faith so they can “seize” the believer. Why Their Words Shouldn’t Sway Us • Human opinion can be wrong: “Let God be true, and every man a liar.” (Romans 3:4) • God’s promise overrides perception: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5) • The psalmist’s confidence grows precisely because detractors are loud (Psalm 71:14). God’s Proven Track Record • Past faithfulness: “You have been my hope, O Lord GOD, my confidence from my youth.” (Psalm 71:5) • Lifelong care: “From birth I have relied on You; You brought me forth from my mother’s womb.” (Psalm 71:6) • Ongoing rescue: “You will revive me again” (Psalm 71:20). Practical Ways to Anchor Our Trust • Rehearse God’s promises aloud when voices of doubt rise. • Keep a record of answered prayers—personal evidence that God has not forsaken. • Immerse in Scripture daily; let truth drown out speculation. • Surround yourself with believers who speak life, not despair (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Respond to doubt with worship; praise magnifies God above present threats (Psalm 71:22-24). Encouraging Examples from Scripture • David: “Many say of me, ‘There is no help for him in God.’ ” Yet he rests—“You, O LORD, are a shield around me.” (Psalm 3:2-3) • Job: Friends insist God has left him; Job holds fast—“I know that my Redeemer lives.” (Job 19:25) • Paul: “Everyone deserted me… but the Lord stood by me and strengthened me.” (2 Timothy 4:16-17) Call to Personal Confidence When others declare “God has forsaken you,” Psalm 71:11 invites a different conclusion: God’s nearness is not cancelled by human commentary. Every accusation becomes an opportunity to reaffirm that the Lord, who has carried us from birth, will carry us through every threat to the very end. |
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