Even in hard times, we can have joy because of hope. If life has many broken parts, the light of a new day will rise over the horizon to warm our hearts. As we read Psalm 71 today, keep in mind that hope has a name, and its name is Jesus so never get down because a new day will come around. Remember what Jesus went through on the cross. Remember the things people have gone through but come out stronger on the other side.

Enemies had been in pursuit of the author of today’s psalm for a long time. The theme of verses 1-9 is hope for a rescue. We are told that the writer of this psalm has been a youth and is up in age. He wants to finish strong on the last lap of his life journey. His experience with God has been a sign to many.

The author’s experiences signal miracles, wonder, how God has provided hope and deserves praise. God has made good on promises in the past and the author’s expectation for the future is more of the same. For God is faithful and is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

God’s past action has been a basis for hope. Since God is faithful and made good on promises, tell others about it so you produce hope for others. Hand over to the next generation an optimistic future shaped by your hope.

Lord … our future is shaped by our hope. You have given us hope because of Your past action and this hope makes us want to help others have this hope. To be a blessing to others as we help them to put their ultimate hope in Jesus. Nothing we face will be greater than what Jesus has provided for us in the Holy Spirit. Even in the hard times, we have hope because the light of a new day warms our hearts with joy and hopeful thoughts of a new day with You Lord. Amen.