Psalm 71

A Psalm with no title.  The language sounds a lot like David's other Psalms, but it really doesn't matter who wrote it.....the truths are the same.

This is the song of an old man, with gray hair, and many years.  It is a quiet song of confidence in God's help.

I trust You.....let me never be put to shame.  (in other words, show Yourself to be true to all of the rich promises that I have claimed personally and proclaimed to the people!)

Hear and save me.  Be my refuge.  I run to You continually (He is always there!).  
You have already given the command to save me!
You are my Rock (steady and solid....unmovable), and Fortress (a safe place to hide).

I have trusted and hoped in You since my youth.....even at birth You kept me.
"I have become a portent to many" (ESV)  (NKJV uses the word 'wonder')
(an exceptional or wonderful person or thing;  a marvel, or a prodigy).

Perhaps the author is saying that others have idolized him or thought too highly of him?
But he gives God alone credit for his success, and long life.

Continue with me into old age.....for still I have enemies.  (I suspect a weary tone here).
Hurry to help!  Confound and confuse them!  Cover them with reproach and dishonor!

I will increasingly trust and praise You.  I have lots of stories to ell of Your greatness!  You righteousness and salvation have no limit!  You have led me and guided me from my youth.  I will declare it to those coming up behind me.

Who is like You, God?  You sustain us and train us through the many trials of life.  And You will never let us go.  You will deliver from every situation.

Praise His faithfulness!
Speak of all He has done!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`

How often do we go so far as to think too highly of ourselves and praise our own abilities and strengths more than giving thanks and praise to the One who alone is our Help?    I have been guilty.  God has sustained me, provided for me, and led me through so many hard, hard trials.  And I was so proud.  I gave Him lip service, yes, but I reveled in the talk of others about how strong I was.   God was faithful to teach me some hard lessons about that, and teach me that I am really weak and faltering.  He alone deserves praise!