Today is my sister’s birthday. I am not saying she is old, but she can see it from where she is. 😊 Now that I’ve started the day by making her mad, let’s get to the psalm. It is a psalm of growing old. Verse 9 says, “Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone.” Verse 18 says, “Even when I am old and gray do not forsake me, my God.” David is struggling with the feelings of diminishing worth that come with aging.
Some evenings Doris and I will be watching television, usually Wheel of Fortune. Along with yelling at the contestants about what letter to choose, or commenting on Vana White’s dress, we notice the commercials. I will say to her, “Except for the commercials about Long Term Care insurance and incontinence, the advertisers do not consider us at all. It is easy to feel like we don’t matter anymore.
But David also gives us some good things to keep us busy in our old, gray years.
- Verse 7, “I have become a sign to many.” Whether in your old age or in your time of trouble, the way you handle the difficult seasons of life is a lesson for those around you. You can be a sign of faith and faithfulness by holding on to God.
- Verse 15, “My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds.” Let’s face it, if we have been around for as many years as Chonda has, we have had the opportunity to see God do some pretty good stuff. Our job at this stage is to tell people about that.
- Verse 18, “I declare your power to the next generation.” Every Paul should have a Timothy. Every old saint should have a young person they are mentoring and pouring into, even if it’s just our kids and grandkids. Teach them about God’s power.
Listen, “the old gray mare may not be what she used to be,” (Oh, calm down. I’m just using a metaphor. I’m not talking about Chonda.) but God is not finished with her, or me, or you. We have value. There are important things we are supposed to be doing for the Kingdom. So, go cash your Social Security check and get busy. And how do you find the courage to do that? David starts the psalm with that answer. “In You, Lord, I have taken Refuge…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.” (verses 1 & 3)
So, happy birthday Chonda. When you start speaking to me again, remember I love you, and God is our Rock and Refuge and Fortress. 😊 😊