PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Psalm 71
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God…” (Psalm 71:18)
As we reach retirement, we can lose our sense of value and purpose.
The old may begin to feel displaced by the young.
Some older people may feel lonely, unappreciated, forsaken.
Do we ever lose our purpose in life?
Do we ever retire from being useful or valuable to God?
David is pleading to God for continued value and purpose.
“…till I declare your power to the next generation.” (Psalm 71:18)
He may be old, but he can still witness to God’s goodness and glory.
As long as I am alive, I am a witness for Jesus.
How I live, how I speak, how I respond to life’s challenges?
How do my grandchildren experience God through me?
Am I a grumpy complainer, or a gracious encourager?
Jesus can use even the most frail elderly person…
Even in the old age home, I can show others how great Jesus is!
PRAYER
Lord, help me to sense how important it is for me to keep making you look good, by how I represent you in my old age.
What a hopeful Psalm: “Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up.” God does not spare us from trouble – but the trouble reminds us to put our hope in Him! Its not just for now, but forever. Jesus, my life and my hope is in you. Keep me from temptation, from turning away from you! Guide by your Spirit – for as many days as you give me to live for you! Yes help me smile through the difficulties of this life!
God is my Refuge and Strength. He is my Pilot, leading me in the Way everlasting. And today as in all days, God is First. He has been faithful and I need to share that faithfulness to those around me. Others need to see Christ Jesus living in me for He is my joy, my strength anew each day as I live for Him.
The joy of the LORD is my strength
The joy of the LORD is my strength
The joy of the LORD is my strength
The joy of the LORD is my strength
He heals the broken-hearted and they cry no more
He heals the broken-hearted and they cry no more
He heals the broken-hearted and they cry no more
The joy of the LORD is my strength!
He gives me living water and I thirst no more
He gives me living water and I thirst no more
He gives me living water and I thirst no more
The joy of the LORD is my strength!
He fills my soul with laughter
Ha, ha, ha … ha, ha (ha ha)
He fills my soul with laughter
Ha, ha, ha … ha, ha (ha ha)
The joy of the LORD is my strength!
If you want joy you must ask for it
If you want joy you must ask for it
If you want joy you must ask for it
The joy of the LORD is my strength!