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Yes, you have been with me from birth; from my mother’s womb you have cared for me. No wonder I am always praising you! (Psalm 71:6, NLT)
Psalm 71 is unique. Let me explain.
Some of us who follow the Lord have a testimony, and some of us are a testimony. Let’s understand the difference.
Those of us who have a testimony (I’m including myself) know the meaning of being forgiven, saved, and set free. Because of the way we lived before finding Jesus, we needed salvation, and we have a testimony of God’s mercy in our lives.
With others (not me) — they have been faithful their entire lives. They are a testimony! They’ve loved Jesus and have never strayed from the narrow path.
Psalm 71 is unique because it describes someone who is a testimony . . .
My life is an example to many, because you have been my strength and protection (v. 7).
This Psalm describes the benefits of a continuously faithful life . . .
- They are not disgraced (v. 1).
- They have intimate experience of God listening to their prayers (v. 2).
- They have not compromised and have witnessed God deliver them from evil repeatedly (vv. 3-4).
As the author of Psalm 71 writes . . .
Yes, you have been with me from birth; from my mother’s womb you have cared for me. No wonder I am always praising you! (v. 6)
Let’s consider a life of testimony.
There is no residue of addiction, pornography, anger, or agnosticism to be battled — just a faith that knows nothing but Jesus. Praise and thanksgiving come easily from such a life.
That is why I can never stop praising you; I declare your glory all day long (v. 8).
Yes, a life of testimony still has difficulty. And faithfully following Jesus can bring extreme persecution. But there is a simplicity that looks at the ridicule from evil while declaring . . .
I will keep on hoping for your help; I will praise you more and more. I will tell everyone about your righteousness (vv. 14-15).
A lifelong testimony — faithfulness from birth to death — wow!
When we examine the Bible, only a few of the prophets and saints were a testimony their entire lives – most of them have a testimony. We find the prophet Daniel as a testimony, with Noah, Moses, Abraham, King David, and Solomon having a testimony.
Ultimately it doesn’t matter – a life of testimony or a life with a testimony – because God’s grace is sufficient for all.
As we age, I love how Psalm 71 gives guidance to all of us who have known this grace.
Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me (v. 18).
I’m 70 years old.
I want to give testimony to grace, mercy, salvation, deliverance, healing, God’s faithfulness, great friends, a loving family, a nice house, 49 years as a senior pastor, traveling to other countries with discipleship, healing, provision, peace, and many other blessings.
Miracles upon miracles are my testimony, and even though I have a testimony, – God has been so good to me.
To all of us!