Our protection and help come from God, the Sustainer of Life. That statement of faith is not unfamiliar to us. But when the pains and struggles of life hit, how easy it is for us to forget that faith. God's good works and deeds seem to pass us by. Yet, if we are willing to faithfully remember His works, God's source of strength is always present in our lives.

Psalm 71 begins with an expression of the psalmist's faith and experience with God. He is convinced that God is his source of protection. An interesting image is expressed by the psalmist, God as the Rock of Defense. With this image, the psalmist wanted to convey his faith belief that God is like a "safe place" that provides comfort and protection from all dangers.

Allah the Eternal Refuge is the God who delivers His people from the clutches of despots and cruel people, His justice continues to be revealed in the lives of His people. The psalmist has felt God's presence even since he was in the womb. The psalmist's existence in the world was never separated from God's intervention. He said, "You brought me out of my mother's womb." The psalmist's one request was that God's steadfast love, His insight and protection remain with him until old age comes. In old age when strength and vigor have faded, he hopes that God's love will be felt all the more clearly.

Thank God that at this time we are reminded of the Source of our refuge. In the midst of this difficult life, it is that belief that truly moves and changes us. Challenges, struggles, and difficulties will come and go, but God's love and protection never fade away in the lives of believers. May God continue to strengthen us and be with us in the changing times.