The Time of Old Age

(Psalm 71:18)

“ Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me."

One tends to grow resentful against the limitations and increasing infirmities associated with aging, even complaining to God and others about growing old–at least until one considers the alternative! We need to remember that, as long as the Lord preserves our lives, He has some ministry for us to perform for “this generation” and “to every one that is to come.”

The Scriptures abound with promises of blessing in old age, so growing old should be an occasion for rejoicing and deepened commitment to whatever the Lord enables one to do.

Psalm 92:12-14

“But the godly (righteous) will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon. For they are transplanted to the Lord's own house. They flourish in the courts of our God. Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green".

But if there develops a tendency to grow spiritually cold with age, the admonition of Paul is appropriate. “ Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience. Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. (Titus 2:2-3)

Older men should be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. The older women likewise, they should honor God, not slander,be teachers of good things”.

Thus the heartfelt prayer of the psalmist is still appropriate today, for all who will, sooner than they think, enter the time of old age. Note also the following prayer: Psalm 71:9“And now, in my old age, don't set me aside.Don't abandon me when my strength is failing.“

That God will answer such a prayer, offered in faith and sincerity, was affirmed by David when he said: Psalm 37:25“Once I was young, and now I am old.Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned or their children begging for bread.

The time of old age can be a time of happy harvest, if we have sowed the seeds of good fruit.