Years ago I thought I’d never get here. Now I’m here. It’s the real truth of the matter—when I am old and gray.
Psalm 71:9 Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth. 17 O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works. 18 Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.”
Our youngest father this morning was 47. When we think about ourselves, what is it? I remember times when I was in my 20’s that I felt like a hundred. Remember them? (If you don’t, you’ve forgotten them.) We think better days are behind us. Our memory may not be as sharp. Our physical strength may not be what it once was. These are natural parts of life, but it doesn’t mean the better days are gone.
If I’d only known then what I know now about the Lord is not how it works. We do the same in both the physical and spiritual aspects of life. We grow, BUT we’ve not grown less valuable. The popular attitude in some circles is older people are almost useless. We can’t keep up the pace. I thank God I can’t. This world is about to spiral out of control. There is a whole new work and moral ethic. We’re seeing the older people forsaking the house of God or giving up on the Lord all together. Paul told Timothy his friend Demas loved the world more and left him. So we can fall away. When we stop reading our bible, praying and going to church, we will fall away—old or young.
You’re right. These are the end times. There is supposed to be a falling away as we see the day of the Lord approaching. Don’t sit down and give up yourself! We are still useful! If society needs anything, it needs us. David brings it out in verse 18. Even he felt it. He wasn’t as sharp as he used to be. The devil will step in and tell us we’re too old; we can’t do it. We don’t feel as good as we use to. Let the younger ones do it all. It seems that way sometimes doesn’t it. You try to witness and get cut off. Who wants to hear what us older folks have to say. David said the people used to run out to him. Now as a gray headed man they look at him strangely.
We try to live right and those around us say we’re not with it, BUT our Savior is alive and well. I remember the early 70s when I got saved. The Sunday night services were full. Now is the time we need to be our sharpest. Don’t let the sideways looks get to you. David said the Lord taught him precepts since his youth. They were still needed for him but not just for him. The generation of his time needed it. Society needs what we have. The demand for our testimony is greater now than at any other time. Can we fulfill this task? David prayed for it.
David knew his days were numbered. In verse 15 he said “My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers thereof.” Our days are the same. That’s why David wanted the strength to show that generation the power of God. We may not be able to go at it like we used to, but we can still go. We can’t give up just because we’re older and gray headed.
We really need to grasp this. Now is not the time to give up. The funeral home may be waiting on me, but they haven’t got me yet!! The battle for the Lord is not over. Pass on the things of God. There is a lot less time ahead of us than is behind us. Make everyday count. Recognize the need around you. Regardless of how the younger generation feels, tell the message. We’re not getting old, just older. The day will never come when we can’t share the Lord and let our light shine. Even at death we can go out in a blaze of glory.
As long as we live, we have what it takes. We have who it takes. Others pay attention more than we think. Every day we have the opportunity to sow the gospel seed. David asked the Lord to please give him what it took to show that generation all about God. He said “now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.”
We have a big responsibility. Here in our “golden years” we can continue to share him with others. Having and sharing Jesus Christ is more precious than gold.
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 