12-31-2025 PART 1: Hope That Moves Forward Praising God Without Limits

Section 1

Psalm 71 captures a deeply human moment in David’s life as he reflects on aging, pressure, and opposition while still anchoring himself firmly in God. David does not deny that life has become harder, nor does he pretend that adversaries are imaginary or harmless. Instead, he brings his distress directly before the Lord, asking that those who seek his harm be confounded and frustrated. This is not a prayer of personal revenge but a surrender of justice into God’s hands. David understands that resisting God already produces disorder, and rather than taking matters into his own hands, he entrusts the outcome to the Lord’s righteous rule. In doing so, he models a faith that resists bitterness and relinquishes vengeance, allowing God to act according to His wisdom and timing.

Section 2

The turning point comes with a single, powerful word: “but.” David pivots from focusing on his enemies to focusing on God, declaring that he will hope continually. This hope is not passive or wishful thinking; it is active, living, and grounded in God’s character. Hope moves, breathes, and works, anchoring the soul against being blown apart by fear or discouragement. David reinforces this commitment by doubling down, vowing not only to hope continually but also to praise God more and more. Praise and thanksgiving are presented not as occasional responses but as lifelong disciplines. When practiced daily, gratitude guards the heart from bitterness, clears spiritual fog, and fuels endurance, keeping faith energized even when circumstances remain unclear.

Section 3

David then widens the lens beyond his own heart, committing his mouth to testify continually of God’s righteousness and salvation. He recognizes that God’s saving work has no measurable limits, extending beyond eternal salvation into real, present circumstances. This awareness leads David to rely solely on the Lord’s strength and righteousness, not his own. Looking back over a lifetime, David acknowledges that lessons learned in youth have matured into testimony in old age. His reflection becomes a living reminder that God has always been faithful and always will be. Even without knowing the full plan ahead, believers can trust the Architect, stand firm in hope, increase in praise, and boldly share the wondrous works of God as they move forward in faith.