17 O God, You have taught me from my youth, and I still declare Your wondrous deeds. 18 And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to all who are to come.
— Psalm 71:17-18 (NASB95)
Way back in early June I wrote an article entitled “Investing in Future Generations.” I challenged all of us to make investments in our young families of Prayer, Service, and donations to the Bridging Generations Capital Campaign. I had surgery shortly after that and haven’t written an article again until today. Reflecting on where we left off, I came across Psalm 71. Some people believe it was written by the prophet Jeremiah. One commentator called it, “A Refuge in Old Age.” Please read the whole Psalm and note the commitments of the psalmist in his later years.
The psalmist is honest and transparent as to the difficulties of aging. Dr. William Barrick at The Master’s Seminary, notes the following: fear of death (vv. 10-11, 20); loss of honor and dignity (vv. 1, 21); loss of strength (v. 9); sense of vulnerability (vv. 4, 11, 18); forced dependence (need for “refuge,” vv. 6, 9, 18); and fear one’s life will be devalued (vv. 7, 11). Add to that list the fact that the psalmist was being attacked by enemies (v. 2, 11)!
It would be easy for us as we age to give in to these difficulties, sit back, and simply let younger people take over the ministries of the church. But the psalmist doesn’t come to that conclusion. He admits it’s difficult, but he prays to the Lord God who has been faithful to him his entire lifetime. He cries out for help to continue doing what he is supposed to do as long as he lives. It is a prayer of confidence, commitment, and celebration.
Our church family is blessed to have a significant number of “mature” saints. Like myself, many of you have been walking with Jesus for 50 years… or longer. You have learned valuable lessons that younger generations desperately need. You have a lifetime of wisdom to pass on. Don’t believe the lies of our enemy that you are not needed or valued. You have more to offer right now than ever before.
What specific lessons can we learn from the psalmist? How can we grow old in godliness? What can we commit ourselves to that will have a profound impact on future generations for Christ? Below are 10 commitments my friend, pastor John Barnett observed in Psalm 71. Prayerfully read them, then commit yourself to living this way until the Lord calls you home.
Psalm 71 – 10 Commitments
- I will flee to God rather than drown in my troubles. v. 1
- I will trust God’s Word over my fears. v. 3
- I will keep reminding myself of God’s faithfulness all during my life to this moment. v. 5, 17
- I will use my mouth so much for praise, no room will be left to complain. v. 8, 14b, 24
- I will never give up even if I end up all alone, sick or even forgotten by everyone in the world except God. v. 14
- I will never stop looking for people to share a testimony of God’s goodness in my life. v. 15
- I will seek out younger people and pass on to them my testimony of God’s goodness and great faithfulness. v. 18
- I will never stop pursuing a deepening experience of knowing God daily. v. 19
- I will see pain and suffering as God’s perfect tools for shaping my life. v. 20
- I will forsake the stereotypes of old timers and sing and speak and shout about God’s goodness. v. 22-24
You may regret some of the investments you have made over the course of your life, but you will not regret making spiritual investments in future generations. They will pay dividends for eternity. Join me and make the commitment to keep on declaring God’s strength to this generation, His power to all who are to come.