DO NOT FORSAKE ME WHEN I AM OLD AND GREY

Proclamation:

"Even when I am old and grey, do not forsake me, My God, until I declare Your power to the next generation, Your mighty acts to all who are to come."  Psalms 71:18 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words are believed by most Bible scholars to have been written by King David under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  This request for The Lord God not to forsake him when he is old and weak is stated earlier in this psalm (Psalm 71:9) but here he repeats it and offers a reason along with the request.  The psalmist stated that he wanted to tell all who would listen about the righteous deeds and mighty acts of God. (Psalm 71:15-16)  He stated that God had taught him things since the days of his youth. (Psalm 71:17)  Now he was asking God not to forsake him and to spare him until he had declared God’s power and mighty acts to the next generation. 

Application:

Do not discard or disregard the "seasoned" senior saints, there is a lot of wisdom tied up in all those years that could be useful to the believers of the world.  For we who are old have seen, and experienced, and learned a lot during our Christian walk that could benefit the younger generations.  We can truly testify, based upon our trials and tribulations, about the strength and power of The Lord, and what He has done in our lives.  To the young I say, listen when the elderly speak, you just may learn something.  We have been through more than you can imagine.  God is not through with us old folks yet, and with His help there is still some kingdom building work for us to do, including teaching the young.  To the old I say, share what you have learned with the younger generations, with your children, and grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and anyone’s child who will listen.  He has blessed us so that we can be a blessing to others.  God has left us here among the living because our work here is not done.  That is why we can pray this old man's prayer.  We need to praise Him for all that He has done. (Psalm 71:14)  We need to pray for His help to guide our tongue as we speak to the younger generations as well as to all others.