EGW WritingsPsalms 71

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Lt 47, 1909

24LtMs, Lt 47, 1909, par. 12

Read Psalms 71, 72, 73, and 78. Let the words become familiar to your minds, also Psalm 90-93, and 103 and 104.

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 37—The Smitten Rock

PP 413.1

The same beautiful and expressive figures are carried throughout the Bible. Centuries before the advent of Christ, Moses pointed to Him as the rock of Israel’s salvation (Deuteronomy 32:15); the psalmist sang of Him as “my Redeemer,” “the rock of my strength,” “the rock that is higher than I,” “a rock of habitation,” “rock of my heart,” “rock of my refuge.” In David’s song His grace is pictured also as the cool, “still waters,” amid green pastures, beside which the heavenly Shepherd leads His flock. Again, “Thou shalt make them,” he says, “drink of the river of Thy pleasures. For with Thee is the fountain of life.” Psalm 19:14; 62:7; 61:2; 71:3 (margin); 73:26 (margin); 94:22; 23:2; 36:8, 9. And the wise man declares, “The wellspring of wisdom [is] as a flowing brook.” Proverbs 18:4. To Jeremiah, Christ is “the fountain of living waters;” to Zechariah, “a fountain opened ... for sin and for uncleanness.” Jeremiah 2:13; Zechariah 13:1.

That I May Know Him

The Living Water, January 18

TMK 24.5

References: Deuteronomy 32:15; Psalm 19:14; 62:7; 61:2; 71:3 (margin); 73:26 (margin); 94:22; 23:2; 36:8, 9; Proverbs 18:4; Jeremiah 2:13; Zechariah 13:1; Isaiah 26:4 (margin); 32:2; 41:17; 44:3; 35:6; 55:1; Revelation 22:1, 17.

God’s Amazing Grace

The Youth Need It, September 18

AG 269.1

Thou art my hope, O Lord God: thou art my trust from my youth. Psalm 71:5.

Our High Calling

Calling All Youth! January 8

OHC 14.1

For thou art my hope, O Lord God: thou art my trust from my youth. Psalm 71:5.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 47, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 47, 1895, par. 39

Let every selfish desire to distinguish yourselves be set aside; take every suggestion from humanity to God, trusting in the guidance of the Holy Spirit; every unholy ambition should be blotted out, lest the Lord shall say, “I saw the foolish taking root: but suddenly I cursed his habitation.” [Job 5:3.] Every one should move so that he can say, “Thou, O Lord, knowest me: thou hast seen me, and tried mine heart toward thee.” [Jeremiah 12:3.] “Thou God seest me.” [Genesis 16:13.] The Lord weighs every motive. He is a discerner of the thoughts and intents and purposes of the heart. Without God we are without hope; therefore let us fix our faith upon Him. “Thou art my hope, O Lord God: thou art my trust from my youth.” [Psalm 71:5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 10a, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 10a, 1895, par. 45

Let every selfish desire to distinguish yourselves be set aside; take every suggestion from humanity to God, trusting in the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Every unholy ambition should be blotted out, lest the Lord shall say: “I have seen the foolish taking root: but suddenly I cursed his habitation.” [Job 5:3.] Every one should move so that he can say: “Thou, O Lord, knowest me: Thou hast seen me, and tried mine heart toward Thee.” [Jeremiah 12:3.] “Thou God seest me.” [Genesis 16:13.] The Lord weighs every motive. He is a discerner of the thoughts and intents and purposes of the heart. Without God we are without hope; therefore let us fix our faith upon Him. “Thou art my hope, O Lord God; Thou art my trust from my youth.” [Psalm 71:5.]

Prayer

Hezekiah

Pr 144.2

Hezekiah Healed in Answer to Prayer—Since the days of David, there had reigned no king who had wrought so mightily for the upbuilding of the kingdom of God in a time of apostasy and discouragement as had Hezekiah. The dying ruler had served his God faithfully, and had done much to strengthen the confidence of the people in Jehovah as their Supreme Ruler. And, like David, he could now plead: “Let my prayer come before thee: incline thine ear unto my cry; for my soul is full of troubles: and my life draweth nigh unto the grave.” “Thou art my hope, O Lord God: thou art my trust from my youth. By thee have I been holden up.... Forsake me not when my strength faileth.... O God, be not far from me: O my God, make haste for my help.... O God, forsake me not; until I have showed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.” Psalm 88:2, 3; Psalm 71:5-18.

The Review and Herald

May 6, 1915

RH May 6, 1915, par. 3

Since the days of David, there had reigned no king who had wrought so mightily for the upbuilding of the kingdom of God in a time of apostasy and discouragement as had Hezekiah. The dying ruler had served his God faithfully, and had done much to strengthen the confidence of the people in Jehovah as their Supreme Ruler. And, like David, he could now plead: “Let my prayer come before thee: incline thine ear unto my cry; for my soul is full of troubles: and my life draweth nigh unto the grave.” “Thou art my hope, O Lord God: thou art my trust from my youth. By thee have I been holden up.... Forsake me not when my strength faileth.... O God, be not far from me: O my God, make haste for my help.... O God, forsake me not; until I have showed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.” Psalm 88:2, 3; 71:5-18.

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 29—The Ambassadors From Babylon

PK 341.2

“Thou art my hope, O Lord God:
Thou art my trust from my youth.
By Thee have I been holden up.”
“Forsake me not when my strength faileth.”
“O God, be not far from me:
O my God, make haste for my help.”
“O God, forsake me not;
Until I have showed Thy strength unto this generation,
And Thy power to everyone that is to come.” Psalm 71:5, 6, 9, 12, 18.

The Ministry of Healing

“My Praise Shall Be Continually of Thee”

MH 102.1

“Thou art my trust from my youth....
My praise shall be continually of Thee.”
“I will make Thy name to be remembered:...
Therefore shall the people praise Thee.” Psalm 116:12-14, R.V.; 104:33, 34; 106:2; 105:1, 2 (A.R.V.), 2, 3; 63:3-7, A.R.V.; 56:11-13, A.R.V.; 71:22-24, 5, 6; 45:17.

Conflict and Courage

Growing Old Gracefully, June 29

CC 186.1

Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth. Psalm 71:9.

Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 2

Chapter 83—Geriatrics

2MCP 749.2

David was deeply moved; he was distressed as he looked forward to the time when he should be aged. He feared that God would leave him and that he would be as unhappy as other aged persons whose course he had noticed, and would be left to the reproach of the enemies of the Lord. With this burden upon him he earnestly prays, “Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.” “O God, Thou hast taught me from my youth; and hitherto have I declared Thy wondrous works. Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have showed Thy strength unto this generation, and Thy power to everyone that is to come” (Psalm 71:9, 17, 18). David felt the necessity of guarding against the evils which attend old age.—Testimonies for the Church 1:423 (1864).

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1

Chapter 77—The Prayer of David

1T 423.1

David marked that although the lives of some while in the strength of manhood had been righteous, as old age came upon them they seemed to lose their self-control. Satan stepped in and guided their minds, making them restless and dissatisfied. He saw that many of the aged seemed forsaken of God and exposed themselves to the ridicule and reproaches of his enemies. David was deeply moved; he was distressed as he looked forward to the time when he should be aged. He feared that God would leave him and that he would be as unhappy as other aged persons whose course he had noticed, and would be left to the reproach of the enemies of the Lord. With this burden upon him he earnestly prays: “Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.” “O God, Thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared Thy wondrous works. Now also when I am old and gray-headed, O God, forsake me not; until I have showed Thy strength unto this generation, and Thy power to everyone that is to come.” Psalm 71:9, 17, 18. David felt the necessity of guarding against the evils which attend old age.

The Retirement Years

David’s Prayer

RY 169.2

With this burden upon him he earnestly prays: “Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.” “O God, Thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared Thy wondrous works. Now also when I am old and gray-headed, O God, forsake me not; until I have showed Thy strength unto this generation, and Thy power to everyone that is to come” [Psalm 71:9, 17, 18]. David felt the necessity of guarding against the evils which attend old age.—Testimonies for the Church 1:422, 423.

The Retirement Years

Helpful Bible Texts for Seniors

RY 186.2

Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.—Psalm 71:9.

RY 186.3

Forsake me not, o God, when I am old and gray; that I may tell the rising generation of thy strength and thy might.—Psalm 71:18, Moffatt.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 1

The Prayer of David

1TT 172.3

There are many restless spirits who will not submit to his enemies. David was deeply moved; he was distressed as he looked forward to the time when he should be aged. He feared that God would leave him and that he would be as unhappy as other aged persons whose course he had noticed, and would be left to the reproach of the enemies of the Lord. With this burden upon him he earnestly prays: “Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.” “O God, Thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared Thy wondrous works. Now also when I am old and gray-headed, O God, forsake me not; until I have showed Thy strength unto this generation, and Thy power to everyone that is to come.” Psalm 71:9, 17, 18. David felt the necessity of guarding against the evils which attend old age.

From Splendor to Shadow

Chapter 29—Visitors From Babylon See the Wrong Things

O God, forsake me not;
Until I have showed Thy strength unto this
generation,
And Thy power to everyone that is to come.
Psalm 71:9, 18

Testimony for the Church — No. 10

The Prayer of David

T10 32.2

David was strongly moved. He was distressed. He looked forward to the time when he should be aged. He feared that God would leave him and he would be as unhappy as other aged persons whose course he had noticed, and that he should be left to the reproach of the enemies of the Lord. With this burden upon him he earnestly prays, “Cast me not off in the time of old age: forsake me not when my strength faileth. O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works. Now also when I am old and gray-headed, O God, forsake me not, until I have showed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.” Psalm 71:9, 17, 19 [18]. David felt the necessity of guarding against the evils which attend old age.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 64, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 64, 1897, par. 21

“I will go in the strength of the Lord God: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only. O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works. Now also when I am old and greyheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is come. Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee! Thou, which hast showed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth.” [Psalm 71:16-20.]

12LtMs, Lt 64, 1897, par. 22

David had once been young, and now was old. His work was almost done. Yet he said, “My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed. My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long: for they are confounded, for they are brought unto shame, that seek my hurt.” [Verses 23, 24.] Young men have a great work to do, but they should always benefit by the counsel of old men of experience. Men of experience have a cheerful, victorious testimony to bear in regard to the faithfulness of the Lord. David served his generation, and he has given to the generations to come his own experience—his failures, in that he departed from the way of the Lord, and his clear, valuable experience when he called to mind the instruction received of God while he was a careful shepherd of the flocks.

Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students

The Youth to Be Burden Bearers

CT 537.2

All are given an opportunity to develop character. All may fill their appointed places in God’s great plan. The Lord accepted Samuel from his very childhood, because his heart was pure. He was given to God, a consecrated offering, and the Lord made him a channel of light. If the youth of today will consecrate themselves as did Samuel, the Lord will accept them and use them in His work. Of their life they may be able to say with the psalmist, “O God, Thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared Thy wondrous works.” Psalm 71:17.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 106, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 106, 1897, par. 8

But we will not make comparisons. The Lord is good, and when I see the old burden bearers who have not withheld themselves from the Lord and from denial of self, but who have given themselves to serve Him with heart and pen and voice and means, I know that the Lord will certainly use these old standard bearers if they will cling fast to Him. The old and white-haired veterans reveal the truth of the sayings of David, “O God, thou hast taught me from my youth, and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.” [Psalm 71:17.] He seems to feel that the inspiration of his early zeal is not extinct. Though he is old and grey haired, he entreats that the Lord will not forsake him, but will remain with him still to bear his testimony to the present generation.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 98a, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 98a, 1897, par. 40

I stand against men of low degree and against men of high degree, conscious that the truth revealed to me nearly fifty three years ago was from God. No human being has been able to wrest it from me. At times I have had to face nearly the whole church in defense and vindication of the heaven-sent light. Yet God has upheld me, and these many years an unchangeable testimony has been borne. Looking over more than half a century of experience, I can say with confidence, “O God, thou hast taught me from my youth up. Hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works, and will declare them.” [Psalm 71:17.] The puny arm of man has been powerless to hinder.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 82, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 82, 1899, par. 6

The experienced workers, who have in the past anticipated the wants of the cause, do a noble work when in the place of carrying all the burdens themselves, they lay them upon the shoulders of younger men and women, and educate them as Elijah educated Elisha. David offered to God a tribute of gratitude because of the divine teaching and guidance he had received. “O God, thou hast taught me from my youth,” he declared. [Psalm 71:17.] Those who in the message have borne the burden and heat of the day are to remember that the same Lord who taught them in their youth, inviting them, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me” [Matthew 11:29], and giving them the light of truth, is just as willing to teach young men and young women today as He was to teach them.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 51, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 51, 1900, par. 22

God gives all an opportunity in this life to develop character. All may fill their appointed place in His great plan. The Lord accepted Samuel from his very childhood because his heart was pure, and he had reverence for God. He was given to God, a consecrated offering, and the Lord made him, even in his childhood, a channel of light. A life consecrated as was Samuel’s is of great value in God’s sight. If the youth of today will consecrate themselves as did Samuel, the Lord will accept them and use them in His work. Of their life they may be able to say with the psalmist, “O Lord, thou hast taught me from my youth, and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.” [Psalm 71:17.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Ms 99, 1909

24LtMs, Ms 99, 1909, par. 19

The experienced workers, who have in the past anticipated the wants of the cause, do a noble work when in the place of carrying all the burdens themselves they lay them upon the shoulders of younger men and women and educate them as Elijah educated Elisha. David offered to God a tribute of gratitude because of the divine teaching and guidance he had received. “O God, Thou hast taught me from my youth,” he declared. [Psalm 71:17.] Those who in the message have borne the burden and heat of the day are to remember that the same Lord who taught them in their youth, inviting them, “Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me” [Matthew 11:29], and giving them the light of truth, is just as willing to teach young men and women today as He was to teach them.

Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)

The Youth To Be Burden-Bearers

GW 69.2

All are given an opportunity to develop character. All may fill their appointed places in God’s great plan. The Lord accepted Samuel from his very childhood, because his heart was pure. He was given to God, a consecrated offering, and the Lord made him a channel of light. If the youth of today will consecrate themselves as did Samuel, the Lord will accept them and use them in His work. Of their life they may be able to say with the psalmist, “O God, Thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared Thy wondrous works.” [Psalm 71:17.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 15 [Nos. 1136-1185]

MR No. 1179—The Evil of Rebellion

15MR 288.3

But we will not make comparisons. The Lord is good, and when I see the old burden bearers who have not withheld themselves from the Lord and from denial of self, but who have given themselves to serve Him with heart and pen and voice and means, I know that the Lord will certainly use these old standard bearers if they will cling fast to Him. The old and white-haired veterans reveal the truth of the sayings of David, “O God, Thou has taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared Thy wondrous works” [Psalm 71:17]. He [Brother Haskell] seems to feel that the inspiration of his early zeal is not extinct. Though he is old and gray haired, he intreats that the Lord will not forsake him, but will remain with him still to bear his testimony to the present generation.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 10 [Nos. 771-850]

MR No. 811—Ellen White’s Confidence in Her Calling

10MR 168.2

I have learned to trust in God and not to expect anyone but Him to understand the work He has given me to do. Others, with the knowledge of the way God has led me, may be unappreciative and unsympathetic. They may have no more idea of the work given me than a child. I have had experience after experience with my supposed-to-be unchangeable friends, whom I have found to be as trustworthy as a reed shaken by the wind, unable to read and understand my life struggle. They have given themselves up to evil surmisings, to watching for evil, to duplicity and falsehood. I have met with this ignorance of spiritual things until I have learned to say with Paul, “None of these things move me” (Acts 20:24). They may say, “She hath a devil,” or “She doeth these things by the power of the devil.” They may say anything their hearts lead them to say. I know myself of the hardships, the disappointments, the anguish of spirit, that I have been compelled to know, when I have realized that I am alone. I stand in God, with heart and mind open to the Heaven-revealed truth. I stand against men of low degree and against men of high degree, conscious that the truth revealed to me nearly fifty-three years ago was from God. No human being has been able to wrest it from me. At times I have had to face nearly the whole church in defense and vindication of the Heaven-sent light. Yet God has upheld me, and these many years an unchangeable testimony has been borne. Looking over more than half a century of experience, I can say with confidence, “O God, Thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared Thy wondrous works, and will declare them” (See Psalm 71:17). The puny arm of man has been powerless to hinder.

Reflecting Christ

God Calls Young People, August 25

RC 251.1

O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works. Psalm 71:17.

Selected Messages Book 2

Aged Workers to Be Teachers and Counselors

2SM 227.5

David offered to God a tribute of gratitude for the divine teaching and guidance he had received. “O God, thou hast taught me from my youth” (Psalm 71:17), he declared. Those who in the history of the message have borne the burden and heat of the day, are to remember that the same Lord who taught them from their youth, inviting them, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me” (Matthew 11:29), and giving them the light of truth, is just as willing to teach young men and women today as He was to teach them.

Sons and Daughters of God

Far-reaching Influence of Christian Home, September 8

SD 258.1

O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works. Psalm 71:17.

The Retirement Years

Older Ministers Should Educate Younger Workers

RY 45.3

David offered to God a tribute of gratitude for the divine teaching and guidance he had received. “O God, Thou hast taught me from my youth” (Psalm 71:17), he declared. Those who in the history of the message have borne the burden and heat of the day, are to remember that the same Lord who taught them from their youth, inviting them, “Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me” (Matthew 11:29), and giving them the light of truth, is just as willing to teach young men and women today as He was to teach them.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 77, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 77, 1898, par. 8

God has divine methods. David expresses the ways of God, “O God, thou hast taught me from my youth,” he says, “and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.” He declares that though [he is] old and grey headed his zeal has not diminished. He entreats the Lord not to leave him to his own wisdom, but to remain with him, that he may bear testimony to the youth that are springing up around him. [Psalm 71:17, 18.]

Radiant Religion

For It Brings Joy and Cheer, September 11

RRe 256.1

My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto Thee; and my soul, which Thou hast redeemed. Psalm 71:23.