“Upon you I have leaned from before my birth; you are he who took me from my mother’s womb. My praise is continually of you”–Psalm 71:6 (ESV).
My Beloved Ones in Christ Jesus our Lord,
According to current estimates, the average global lifespan for a human being is about 73 years. The highest average, 85 years, is enjoyed among those living in Hong Kong. The lowest, 54 years, is experienced in the Central African Republic. Here in the USA, our average is about 79 years.
If you should make to 79 years, you will have lived for 28,835 days and 692,040 hours in all!
Psalm 71 is identified in the New American Standard Bible as the “Prayer of an Old Man for Deliverance.” In verse 9, for example, we see this very theme most clearly set forth. But what is remarkable about this ancient, inspired song is what is stated by the author in verse 6. In the Jewish Publication Society version of the Old Testament, the verse reads this way:
“While yet unborn, I depended upon You; in the womb of my mother, You were my support.”
The NASB renders it this way:
“By You I have been sustained from my birth; You are He who took me from my mother’s womb.”
What is claimed here is pretty remarkable, and powerfully encouraging!
If we follow the thought expressed in the NASB, we have before us a truth that every child of God may, and must, claim. From the very instant of your conception, your Father has “sustained” your life! Every second, every hour, every day, and every year, He has faithfully upheld you, cared for you, watched over you, and met all of your needs “according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
Every breath you have taken, every heartbeat that has sent blood flowing throughout your body, and the firing of every neuron in your brain has been empowered by the One who personally formed you in the womb of your mother! At this very instant, every last one of the 37 trillion cells in your body is being sustained by your Creator! How incredible is that!
Never has there been even a nanosecond when you have not been lovingly and meticulously upheld by His omnipotent hand! This is exactly what the Apostle Paul had in mind when he explained to the philosophers of Athens that, “in Him we live and move and exist” (Acts 17:28).
Now, far from being just a fascinating slice of information, this truth is profoundly liberating for all who believe it. Embedded in Psalm 71 are some of the rich benefits of embracing and resting in this magnificent truth. Here’s what I mean:
Verse 6–We have all the reason we need to live continually in the spirit of praise.
Verse 14–We have a sure foundation for hope each day.
Verse 18–All of the strength we need for living faithfully is ours.
Verse 20–In each and every moment of distress that we might face, our Lord and Father will deliver us, even from the deepest depths of affliction!
Verse 23–Joy will fill our hearts and spill out of our mouths all day long!
So, today, like every day before, you are drawing your life in all of its infinite detail from your Heavenly Father! Nothing has been left to chance! He is at work in you, even down to the molecular level! His power, love, sovereignty, strength, and purpose extends even to your DNA! As He has from your conception (and even before in eternity past!), He loves you with an infinite love, every cell included! He is holding you up always and forever!
So rest assured that whatever number of days and years He has ordained for you will be days and hours experiencing His comprehensive care and gracious provision. He is, in fact, your very life from beginning throughout all eternity! And when you really believe this, you will live with a freedom and a confidence that only His redeemed children can know!
I love you with all my heart. And I pray for each of you without ceasing!
Mike
PS: Next up is Psalm 73.