Now also when I am old and gray-headed, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to everyone who is to come. (Psalm 71:18)
According to one esteemed Jewish writer, lessons mastered in childhood are like ink written on fresh paper. In other words, key events in our youth leave indelible impressions upon us — impressions we absorb into our consciousness that influence us for the rest of our lives. There are certain times from my younger years that, if I were to close my eyes, I could almost relive them now. In several instances, these events have everything to do with how and why my relationship with the Creator is what it is today. I’m sure most of you can relate; there have been those times in our lives when we knew He was speaking to us and imparting important life-long lessons.
As for David, as a boy his mind was molded to trust in God and to praise Him with his whole heart. As he grew older his love and faith grew stronger and firmer, and was honed no doubt by the myriad of trials and struggles he found himself in. As he aged, though his body grew weaker, his resolve to serve God and to proclaim His praises continued with the same youthful vigor as before. Though the older man no longer fought off bears and lions, he nevertheless persisted in composing prayers and songs of praise that declared God’s strength to ensuing generations.
It is inevitable that our bodies change as we age; most of us aren’t as agile as we used to be and our stamina fades quicker than when we were young. But as we age, some things should never change or subside; the lessons and impressions God imparted to us in our youth should grow stronger and continue inspiring to us to finish the race before us. I would also add that the things which do change should not be limited to the physical. As our hair turns white, our interests should change too. As we mature in years, our spiritual maturity should reflect a fading interest in worldly matters and an increased emphasis on those issues that have eternal value.
When David reached this point in his life and considered what lay ahead — i.e., the end of his earthly existence — he was determined not to relinquish the principles that had always guided him nor did he intend to fade away quietly. Instead, he prayed that God would continue enabling him to declare to others the valuable truths he had learned from his youth. May it be that we all have this same desire and determination so that we may finish our race declaring the Lord’s strength and power to the next generation. May it be that we are empowered by the Almighty to positively influence the next generation and proclaim His goodness to everyone who is to come.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
Recent Comments