Psalm 71:20: “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.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Psalm 71:20 expresses the psalmist’s faith that God can bring restoration even after a time of great suffering. The psalmist acknowledges that God has allowed him to experience “many and bitter” troubles. Despite these hardships, he declares his confidence that God will “restore” his life and lift him up “from the depths of the earth.” This is a powerful statement of hope, showing that the psalmist believes God is both aware of his suffering and able to redeem him from it. The verse captures a realistic view of faith—it doesn’t ignore life’s difficulties but trusts in God’s power to bring healing and renewal.
Historical Context
Psalm 71 is traditionally attributed to David, written during a time when he was reflecting on the struggles and victories of his life. David faced many trials, including betrayal, loss, and threats from his enemies. In his old age, he likely looked back on these experiences with gratitude for God’s protection and hope for continued help. Ancient Israel’s culture emphasized God’s sovereignty, including the belief that He allowed both blessings and trials for His purposes. The psalmist’s acknowledgment that God “made me see troubles” aligns with this understanding, while his confidence in restoration reflects Israel’s deep-rooted belief in God’s power to save and renew.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Psalm 71:20 speaks to God’s ability to restore and redeem, even in the midst of great suffering. The psalmist’s words acknowledge that God sometimes allows His people to experience hardship, but He is also a God of renewal. This verse teaches that suffering and hope can coexist in the life of a believer, with faith that God can bring healing out of pain. For Christians, this verse offers comfort, reminding us that God is both present in our troubles and able to lift us up from them. It highlights God’s power over life and death, reinforcing the belief that nothing is beyond His reach or ability to transform.
Literary Analysis
Psalm 71:20 uses contrasting language to emphasize the journey from suffering to restoration. Phrases like “many and bitter” troubles paint a vivid picture of hardship, while “restore my life again” and “bring me up” offer an image of renewal and hope. The phrase “depths of the earth” is a powerful metaphor for the lowest points in life, evoking the feeling of despair or even death. By using these contrasts, the psalmist creates a strong image of God’s redemptive power—He can lift His people from even the darkest places. The verse’s structure, moving from trouble to restoration, reflects a progression from despair to hope, underscoring the psalmist’s faith in God’s faithfulness.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 40:2: “He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” This verse echoes the theme of God rescuing His people from dark and difficult places.
- Isaiah 61:3: “To bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning.” This passage speaks to God’s power to bring restoration and joy out of suffering.
- 1 Peter 5:10: “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” This New Testament verse reinforces the promise of restoration after a season of suffering.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Psalm 71:20 provides comfort and hope during times of hardship. It reminds us that even when we face significant challenges, God has the power to restore and renew us. This verse encourages believers to hold onto hope, knowing that God is able to lift us up from the lowest points in our lives. While life can bring many “bitter troubles,” our faith assures us that these difficulties are not the end of the story. Instead, we can look to God for healing and renewal, trusting that He is at work to bring good from our trials. This verse reminds us that suffering doesn’t separate us from God; rather, it can be an opportunity to experience His restorative love.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Psalm 71:20 shows that God’s love remains steadfast, even in times of suffering. The psalmist’s faith that God will “restore my life again” reflects a deep trust in God’s compassion and faithfulness. God’s love does not shield us from every hardship, but it does promise His presence and the hope of renewal. This verse demonstrates that God’s love is not just about sparing us from pain but about redeeming and healing us through it. God’s willingness to lift us from the “depths of the earth” reveals His loving commitment to our well-being, showing that He will not leave us in despair but will bring us through to a place of peace and restoration.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
In Jesus, we see the ultimate fulfillment of this promise of restoration. Jesus’s death and resurrection provide the greatest example of God’s ability to bring life from death, hope from despair. John 11:25 records Jesus saying, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” Jesus’s resurrection is the foundation of Christian hope, showing that God has power over the grave itself. Through Jesus, God has demonstrated His commitment to restoring His people, offering eternal life and victory over death. Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection assure us that God is with us in our suffering and has the power to lift us up, even from the depths.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- When have you experienced God’s restoration in a time of hardship?
- How does this verse encourage you to trust God’s faithfulness, even in the face of suffering?
- Why is it important to remember that God can bring renewal even after “many and bitter troubles”?
- How does Jesus’s resurrection provide hope and assurance of God’s power to restore?
- In what ways can you share this message of hope and restoration with others who are going through difficult times?
Psalm 71:20 reminds us that God’s love and power are greater than any trial we may face. He is with us in our struggles, and He is always able to bring renewal, peace, and life, even when we feel at our lowest.