The Christians Continual Calling
Be to me a rock of refuge, to which I may continually come… Upon you have I leaned from before my birth; you are he who took me from my mother’s womb. My praise is continually of you… May my accusers be put to shame and consumed; with scorn and disgrace may they be covered who seek my hurt.
But I will hope continually. Psalm 71
Continually; that which is repeated frequently, without interruption, constantly. What incredible use of the word throughout this psalm! The psalmist gives us three things throughout the course of this passage that we can, and should, be doing continually. Continually come to God our rock of refuge, continually praise our God Who saves, and continually hope in God regardless of our difficulties. Great depths of encouragement are found in these simple truths, as well as certain confidence to know we dwell in the presence of a God who does not tire of our coming to Him, and in fact bids us come continually.
Let’s consider what it means to be a Christian who continually comes, continually praises, and continually hopes.
1. Continually Come
‘Be to me a rock of refuge, to which I may continually come.’ (vs3)
Oh weary Christian, what a source of joy and strength this is to us! Are you heavy-laden with grief, pain, worry, sin, or uncertainty? God is your rock of refuge- a strong and sure place of safety amidst the storms and strains of life. Run to Him. Run to Him continually. Stay within the safety of His presence- and look to Him continually for the strength, forgiveness, and comfort you need. How often we are tempted to look other places for refuge, strength and safety- our own wisdom, other’s opinions of us, distractions of food or entertainment, exercise or physical strength, self-pity or self-promotion. Although we may find temporary satisfaction in some of these places, only God can provide lasting continual refuge.
May we be Christians who continually run to God our Rock of Refuge as our first and ongoing source of strength in times of need.
2. Continually Praise
‘My praise is continually of you.’ (vs 6)
The psalmist here recounts God’s protection and provision in his life, and then proceeds to praise God. Praising God is one sure way of taking our minds and focus off ourselves and our struggles, discouragements, selfishness or pride- and setting our mind on God. Can you recount the provision of God in your life throughout this past day? Week? Year? Hour? Consider the works of God in Scripture, the miracles of Christ, the hand of God in the Old Testament stories, the wonder of creation around us, and recount God’s provision and blessing in your own life over the years.
Take a moment to praise Him for all He has done and Who He is- and then keep going! Praise Him continually.
3. Continually Hope
‘But I will hope continually’ (vs 14)
Hopelessness defines so many in this day and age, and how easy it is to turn our eyes away from God and end up in a place of despair and hopelessness as we gaze at the problems and struggles around (and within) us, instead of on the God of hope. We have so much around us, yet so many are still searching for hope and purpose. Dear Christian, if you’re struggling to find hope, rest assured that God IS your hope- and your hope is sure in Him. Continually. Be confident to set your hope on God, and then continually call to mind the hope you have and the God you serve. We are a people of hope- because we serve the God of hope. ‘Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.’ Psalm 43:5
Dear friend, as we continually come to God we will find ourselves knowing Him more- which will result in us praising Him continually. As we know God more and praise Him continually, we will find our hope secure in Him, and our life will be anchored securely to the God of all comfort. Continually.