Psalm 71

“Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone.” (Psalm 71:9, NIV)

Old age is an inevitable fact of life. Strength and beauty fade with time. We only have so many days of productivity, and then we must make way for the next generation. We don’t know how old the author was when he wrote this psalm, but evidently he was concerned that he would stop being useful in his old age. His prayer was that God would not cast him aside when others questioned his competence.

“Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come.” (Psalm 71:18, NIV)

Many years ago I saw a documentary on the famous conductor Leonard Bernstein. As he became older, he became less interested in conducting orchestras and more interested in teaching younger conductors. He hoped to pass on his knowledge and skills to the next generation. There is a certain sense of immortality in this. If we can pass on what we know to younger people, then part of us continues to live even after we are gone.

The psalmist prayed for the opportunity to declare God’s power and goodness to the next generation. He hoped that he could still be useful and that God would not set him aside before his time. But then he seemed to have a flash of insight.

“You, who have shown me great and severe troubles, shall revive me again, and bring me up again from the depths of the earth.” (Psalm 71:20, NKJV)

The LORD has a habit of using old people. He called Abram out of Mesopotamia and into the land of Canaan when he was 75 years old. Moses didn’t begin his career until he was 80. Granted, people lived longer in those days, but who are we to say when God will stop using a person? The psalmist was convinced that the LORD would revive him in his old age and use him again.

If you are getting older, do not think that you are aging out. If you are still breathing, God has a purpose for you. Be sure to seek Him for it. Remember that you are God’s workmanship, and nothing is impossible with Him!