Prayer, Praise and Promises 6/29

Author:Warrren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Psalm 71:1-11

When I Am Old

Read Psalm 71:1-11

The older I become, the more I appreciate this psalm. It focuses on God's special blessings for those who are getting older. "Do not cast me off in the time of old age; do not forsake me when my strength fails" (v. 9).

What does God do for us as we get older? He helps us meet and solve some of the problems that we encounter in our later years. Take the problem of weakness, for example. That's what David talks about in verse 9: "Do not forsake me when my strength fails." The outward man is failing, but the inward man can be renewed day by day. God will provide you with the spiritual strength that you need."

Another problem we face as we get older is confusion. "In You, O Lord, I put my trust; let me never be put to shame [confusion]" (v. 1). We can't always keep up with so many rapid changes in this world. As we get older, we might say, "I don't quite know what's going on." But God says, "Look, don't worry about it. You trust Me, and I'll never allow you to be confused."

A third problem we experience is that of living in the past. Too often we say, "Back in the good old days...." I've concluded that perhaps the good old days were not that good. David acknowledges, "For You are my hope, O Lord God" (v. 5). He was living in the future. We don't know what the future holds, but we do know that God holds our future.

Finally, we may face the problem of complaining. How easy it is to complain as we grow older. But David said, "Let my mouth be filled with Your praise and with Your glory all the day" (v. 8). When we're walking with the Lord, He takes care of weakness and confusion. He takes care of our fear of the future. He also substitutes praise for complaining, and therefore, we grow old graciously.

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Each phase of life has unique advantages and problems. And God stays with you through each phase. Are you facing the problems of old age? Are you struggling with weakness, confusion, living in the past and complaining? Bring your fears to God. He delights in caring for His people.

Psalm 71:1-11 (New International Version)

¹ In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame.

² Rescue me and deliver me in your righteousness;
turn your ear to me and save me.

³ Be my rock of refuge,
to which I can always go;
give the command to save me,
for you are my rock and my fortress.

⁴ Deliver me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked,
from the grasp of evil and cruel men.

⁵ For you have been my hope, O Sovereign LORD,
my confidence since my youth.

⁶ From birth I have relied on you;
you brought me forth from my mother's womb.
I will ever praise you.

⁷ I have become like a portent to many,
but 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."