Held Up from the Womb: A Journey of Praise
"By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother's bowels: my praise shall be continually of thee." - Psalms 71:6

As we reflect upon the profound words of Psalm 71:6, we find a rich tapestry of God's sustaining love and continuous presence in our lives. The verse reads, "By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother's bowels: my praise shall be continually of thee." In this simple yet compelling statement, the psalmist reveals a deep understanding of God’s faithfulness, stretching back to the earliest moments of existence.
The psalmist begins by declaring the incredible truth that God has been their support from the womb. This statement challenges us to consider the complexity of life and God's role in it. From the very moment of conception, God already knows us. The intricacies of our development, the shaping of our character, and the unfolding of our purpose are all under His watchful eye. As David is often recognized as the author of this psalm, it adds a layer of authenticity, as he reflects on his own life’s journey. David was chosen by God while still a shepherd boy and continually reminded of God’s hand upon him.
This profound beginning makes us ponder our own existence. Do we often consider how God has been at work in our lives from the very beginning? In our busy lives filled with distractions, it is easy to overlook just how God has orchestrated our paths. The psalmist’s acknowledgment encourages each of us not only to recognize but to appreciate how God has held us up through our very beginnings, often in ways we may not even be consciously aware of. Can we also say that God has been our support since our very first breath?
Next, the psalmist states, "thou art he that took me out of my mother's bowels." This powerful line evokes the imagery of birth, of the miraculous moment when life enters the world. This is a testimony of God’s intimate involvement in creation—our very lives are a result of His divine will. As we consider our own births, we can marvel at the truth that God is present in our creation. Life, in its most fragile state, is cradled and nurtured by His hands.
Reflecting on the juxtaposition of vulnerability and support, we come to understand that life can sometimes feel overwhelming. The world is filled with challenges, heartaches, and uncertainties. But when we look back at the verse, we see the strong undercurrent of hope that runs throughout. The psalmist’s acknowledgement is not merely one of fact but also of assurance, for if God was there at our beginning, He certainly will sustain and uphold us through every season of life.
The concluding phrase, "my praise shall be continually of thee," is a beautiful resolution that shifts our focus to response. The psalmist recognizes that his continuous praise is the only fitting response to God’s unwavering faithfulness and nurturing presence. When we see our lives as a reflection of God's work, our natural response is to offer praise. In moments of gratitude, joy, or even sorrow, acknowledging God’s influence in our lives can transform our perspective. Scripture calls us to praise Him in all circumstances, and as we align our hearts to this calling, we find that praise has the power to shift our focus from our struggles to the victories God has woven into our stories.
So, let us take the plea of the psalmist into our own hearts and recognize that from the very moment of our existence and through the fabric of our lives, God has held us up. May our lives be a living testament of His love, and may our praise for Him continue unceasingly. Let us commit to seek Him in both our trials and triumphs, continually singing His praises for every breath and every moment we have. In doing so, we not only honor our Creator but also find a deeper connection to the purpose that He has placed upon our lives.
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Psalms 71:6 - "By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother's bowels: my praise shall be continually of thee."
"By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother's bowels: my praise shall be continually of thee." - Psalms 71:6
Psalms 71:14 - "But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more."
Psalms 71:21 - "Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side."
Psalms 71:8 - "Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day."
Psalms 71:7 - "I am as a wonder unto many; but thou art my strong refuge."
Psalms 71:11 - "Saying, God hath forsaken him: persecute and take him; for there is none to deliver him."
Psalms 119:71 - "It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes."
Psalms 71:9 - "Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth."
Psalms 71:12 - "O God, be not far from me: O my God, make haste for my help."
Psalms 71:10 - "For mine enemies speak against me; and they that lay wait for my soul take counsel together,"
Psalms 71:1 - "In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion."
"O God, be not far from me: O my God, make haste for my help." - Psalms 71:12
Psalms 71:16 - "I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only."
Psalms 71:4 - "Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man."
Psalms 71:5 - "For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth."
Psalms 71:2 - "Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline thine ear unto me, and save me."
Psalms 71:13 - "Let them be confounded and consumed that are adversaries to my soul; let them be covered with reproach and dishonour that seek my hurt."
Psalms 78:71 - "From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance."
"Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man." - Psalms 71:4
Psalms 71:15 - "My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers thereof."
Psalms 71:17 - "O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works."
Psalms 71:23 - "My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed."
Psalms 71:24 - "My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long: for they are confounded, for they are brought unto shame, that seek my hurt."
"But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more." - Psalms 71:14
"Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline thine ear unto me, and save me." - Psalms 71:2
Psalms 71:19 - "Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee!"
"But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more." - Psalms 71:14
"From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance." - Psalms 78:71
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."