GROWING OLD
----Psalms 71----
1
In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be
put to shame.
2
Rescue me and deliver me in your righteousness; turn
your ear to me and save me.
3
Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give
the command to save me, for you are my rock and my
fortress.
4
Deliver me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked,
from the grasp of evil and cruel men.
5
For you have been my hope, O Sovereign LORD, my
confidence since my youth.
6
From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth
from my mother\'s womb. I will ever praise you.
7
I have become like a portent to many, but you are my
strong refuge.
8
My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your
splendor all day long.
9
Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me
when my strength is gone.
10
For my enemies speak against me; those who wait to
kill me conspire together.
11
They say, God has forsaken him; pursue him and seize
him, for no one will rescue him.
12
Be not far from me, O God; come quickly, O my God, to
help me.
13
May my accusers perish in shame; may those who want
to harm me be covered with scorn and disgrace.
14
But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise
you more and more.
15
My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your
salvation all day long, though I know not its
measure.
16
I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, O
Sovereign LORD; I will proclaim your righteousness,
yours alone.
17
Since my youth, O God, you have taught me, and to
this day I declare your marvelous deeds.
18
Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O
God, till I declare your power to the next
generation, your might to all who are to come.
19
Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God, you
who have done great things. Who, O God, is like you?
20
Though you have made me see troubles, many and
bitter, you will restore my life again; from the
depths of the earth you will again bring me up.
21
You will increase my honor and comfort me once again.
22
I will praise you with the harp for your
faithfulness, O my God; I will sing praise to you
with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel.
23
My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to
you-- I, whom you have redeemed.
24
My tongue will tell of your righteous acts all day
long, for those who wanted to harm me have been put
to shame and confusion.
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