Psalm 71

"My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure. I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, O Sovereign LORD; I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone. Since my youth, O God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. 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. Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God, you who have done great things. Who, O God is like you?" - Psalm 71:15-19

I am too preoccupied with my own righteousness. This psalm captured my heart today because it reminded me not to be too wrapped up in myself. It is good to be concerned about integrity and living a good life, but that is not the goal of our existence. I love that this psalm praises God’s righteousness above all other things. How often have I gone through a whole day and forgotten to think of God? The psalmist says that in his youth he was taught to praise God and when he’s old he begs that he not be forsaken until he declares God’s power to the next generation. I think this shows the need for our churches to be multigenerational! The dream of God is that generations would pass on the knowledge of Himself to the next ones.

He says “I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone.” May we never be preoccupied with our own good deeds, but be obsessed with His. I love the way Tim Keller put it in The Reason for God:

“Christians, then, should expect to find nonbelievers who are much nicer, kinder, wiser, and better than they are. Why? Christian believers are not accepted by God because of their moral performance, wisdom, or virtue, but because of Christ’s work on their behalf. Most religions and philosophies of life assume that one’s spiritual status depends on your religious attainments. This naturally leads adherents to feel superior to those who don’t believe and behave as they do. The Christian gospel, in any case, should not have that effect.” (p. 19)

God, grant me the humility to remember that my righteous acts are as filthy rags in Your sight. Teach me to cherish Your righteousness today and give you all the glory for any success or victory. Let others see me and praise You. Remove my selfishness and place a burning desire for Your glory at the very center of my heart.