Psalms 71:20
Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth.
Psalms 71:20
Verse 20 leans into God’s paradoxical work: among great troubles, God can “quicken” and raise life again, even from depths of the earth. The image of “the depths of the earth” evokes deepest despair or valley experiences—death, defeat, or demoralization. Yet the psalmist proclaims that God’s power transcends these depths, bringing life and restoration. This is consistent with Psalm 71’s overarching testimony that suffering is not the end of the story; God is the rescuer who counters despair with renewed vitality.
The broader context includes trust in God’s providence and faithfulness across seasons. The psalmist’s memory of past deliverances fuels present confidence.
This verse emphasizes God’s life-giving power and sovereignty over life and death. It foreshadows redemptive themes—God’s power to raise and restore, ultimately fulfilled in Christ’s resurrection. It reinforces that suffering is not absent from God’s plan but is a terrain where God’s life-giving grace can be demonstrated most powerfully. The verse anchors hope in God’s ability to reverse seemingly final circumstances, a cornerstone of biblical witness about divine deliverance.
In practical terms: when you feel buried by trials, name the depths you fear and invite God to bring life. Consider small “resurrections” in daily life—restored health, repaired relationships, renewed purpose after loss. Use storytelling to remind yourself and others of past rescues, as these memories fuel faith for future trials. If you’re close to someone in a season of grief, remind them that God’s power can bring life even from deep valleys. Cultivate gratitude journaling that captures moments of revival, and share them in community worship or testimony times.
Cross-References: Psalm 30:11-12; Ezekiel 37:1-14; Job 14:7-9; Isaiah 53:10-11; John 11:25-26