Trust in God amid trouble leads to renewal and comfort.
"May You increase my greatness And turn to comfort me." (v.21) is a heartfelt appeal from the psalmist, traditionally ascribed to David, who lived from around 1040 BC to 970 BC and served as Israel’s second king. David is speaking to the LORD, acknowledging that his significance and influence can only grow through God’s power. The phrase "May You increase my greatness" (v.21) conveys trust that God remains involved in the psalmist’s life, ready to uplift and establish him in a place of renewed strength. This plea echoes the psalmist’s confidence that God alone can take a humble state and transform it into a position of honor (see 1 Peter 5:6 in for a similar concept).
The second part of "And turn to comfort me" (v.21) underscores the psalmist’s acknowledgment that true comfort comes only from the LORD. The hopeful tone implies that the writer, possibly reflecting on past trials or adversities, is certain of God’s future rescue and solace. Whenever believers walk through hardship, the comfort of God is not distant nor limited by circumstances (see 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 in), something the psalmist leans on in his prayer. Here, it aligns beautifully with the broader biblical narrative of God as a comforter for His people, pointing forward to Jesus Christ, who invites the weary and burdened to come to Him (Matthew 11:28 in).
By calling on the LORD to "increase greatness" (v.21) and to "comfort," the psalmist demonstrates that dependence upon God is essential in every season of life. No matter how dire or promising our situations might be, we are to seek the Lord’s intervention. David, a mighty king in Israel’s history, never lost the perspective that his true might rested in God’s hand. In a spiritual sense, the Lord exalts the humble who hope in Him (Luke 1:52 in), ultimately pointing to the grace bestowed through Christ’s redemptive work.
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Psalms 71:21 meaning
"May You increase my greatness And turn to comfort me." (v.21) is a heartfelt appeal from the psalmist, traditionally ascribed to David, who lived from around 1040 BC to 970 BC and served as Israel’s second king. David is speaking to the LORD, acknowledging that his significance and influence can only grow through God’s power. The phrase "May You increase my greatness" (v.21) conveys trust that God remains involved in the psalmist’s life, ready to uplift and establish him in a place of renewed strength. This plea echoes the psalmist’s confidence that God alone can take a humble state and transform it into a position of honor (see 1 Peter 5:6 in for a similar concept).
The second part of "And turn to comfort me" (v.21) underscores the psalmist’s acknowledgment that true comfort comes only from the LORD. The hopeful tone implies that the writer, possibly reflecting on past trials or adversities, is certain of God’s future rescue and solace. Whenever believers walk through hardship, the comfort of God is not distant nor limited by circumstances (see 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 in), something the psalmist leans on in his prayer. Here, it aligns beautifully with the broader biblical narrative of God as a comforter for His people, pointing forward to Jesus Christ, who invites the weary and burdened to come to Him (Matthew 11:28 in).
By calling on the LORD to "increase greatness" (v.21) and to "comfort," the psalmist demonstrates that dependence upon God is essential in every season of life. No matter how dire or promising our situations might be, we are to seek the Lord’s intervention. David, a mighty king in Israel’s history, never lost the perspective that his true might rested in God’s hand. In a spiritual sense, the Lord exalts the humble who hope in Him (Luke 1:52 in), ultimately pointing to the grace bestowed through Christ’s redemptive work.