Day 89 God, My Refuge—Then, Now, Always A Reflection on Psalm 71

God, My Refuge—Then, Now, Always

By Torrie Slaughter

There are seasons in life when our hearts whisper one quiet but desperate prayer:
“Lord, be my refuge.”

In Psalm 71, we meet a psalmist who isn’t new to the storms of life—he’s been walking with God since his youth, and now in his older years, he's calling out again. But this time, with confidence shaped by history.

“In You, O Lord, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame.” (Psalm 71:1, ESV)

Verse one sets the tone for the whole psalm. The writer isn’t just asking for protection—he’s declaring trust. He's been through enough to know that God is not just a momentary shelter but a lifelong stronghold.

🪨 God Is Your Rock, Even When You Feel Fragile

“Be to me a rock of refuge, to which I may continually come.” (Psalm 71:3)

Isn’t that beautiful? The invitation to come continually.
Not just when everything falls apart.
Not just when the fear returns or the pressure feels unbearable.
But every day. Every moment.

God isn’t a one-time rescuer—He’s a faithful fortress, available over and over again.

🙌 Praise as a Lifestyle, Not Just a Reaction

As the psalm unfolds, we see that the psalmist doesn’t just cry for help—he also remembers.
He reflects on God's deliverance, strength, and presence over the course of his life.

“My mouth is filled with Your praise, and with Your glory all the day.” (Psalm 71:8)

Even in difficulty, he chooses praise. Why?
Because when you’ve seen God come through again and again, your testimony becomes your weapon.

💭 Let’s Pause and Reflect:

• Are you running to God as a last resort or as a daily refuge?

• Have you taken time lately to recount the ways He’s been faithful?

• What might shift in your spirit if praise became your default posture?

🧡 A Personal Declaration:

“You, O Lord, are my hope, my trust from my youth.” (Psalm 71:5)

Whether you’ve known God for decades or are just beginning to seek Him, this is an invitation:
Make Him your safe place.
Make Him the first voice you run to, the shelter you rest in, and the source of your praise.

No matter how heavy life feels, you are never without a refuge.

🙏 Prayer:

Heavenly Father,
In You alone do we take refuge—be our steady rock when the winds rise.
Let us come to You not only in crisis, but in the daily rhythms of life.
Thank You for being our fortress, our guide, and our deliverer.
Fill our mouths with gratitude and our hearts with trust as we praise You for all You’ve done and all You will do.
Amen.