READ Psalm 71:7–18.
7 I have become like a sign to many; you are my strong refuge. 8 My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long. 9 Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone. 10 For my enemies speak against me; those who wait to kill me conspire together. 11 They say, “God has forsaken him; pursue him and seize him, for no one will rescue him.” 12 Do not be far from me, my God; come quickly, God, to help me. 13 May my accusers perish in shame; may those who want to harm me be covered with scorn and disgrace. 14 As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. 15 My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds, of your saving acts all day long—though I know not how to relate them all. 16 I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign LORD; I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone. 17 Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. 18 Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come.
WHEN I AM OLD.
In age strength ebbs (verse 9) and we cannot accomplish what we once did (verses 10–11). But our value is based on our status not in society but in God’s eyes (verse 7). When the nineteenth-century Anglican preacher Charles Simeon retired after fifty-four years of ministry, a friend discovered he still got up at 4:00 A.M. each day to pray and study Scripture. When it was suggested he take it easier, he retorted, “Shall I not now run with all my might when the winning post is in sight?”
Prayer:
Lord, help me get ready for old age now by showing me by your Spirit that my value is not based on income, productivity, or popularity. It is based on being a member of the people and family of God. Amen.
Amen