Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.
Psalm 71 was written in King David’s old age, as appears from several of the verses in it, including our verse for today. Penned during a time of trouble in his later years—perhaps it was at the time of Absalom’s rebellion—it expresses some of the concerns typical of those who are advancing in years. The king worries that his weakness will lead to shame and a loss of honor. He fears that he will become vulnerable to opposition, that he will be overlooked and not heard.
Above all, David’s psalm expresses the concern that he might be forsaken—by man and even by God Himself. He cried out to God: “Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone,” (Psalm 71:9). David had relied upon the Lord from his youth, and now in his old age he needed Him more than ever. All along the ups and downs of his journey through life, he had not forsaken the Lord, and now he asks the Lord not to forsake him.
He had a reason why God should not forsake him. God should not forsake him because he had not yet finished declaring God’s power and mighty acts to the next generation. Like many his age, he did not want to pass on until he had fully accomplished his mission and calling in life. He was not simply requesting deliverance from his troubles and an extension of his life for his own sake. Instead, he wanted to ensure the next generation would realize their need for God.
David had experienced so much of the mercy and blessing of God that he desired to “still bear fruit in old age” and to “stay fresh and green,” (Psalm 92:14).He wanted to testify to everything he believed the next generation needed to hear from him about God. This teaching would help them to walk with God as he had.
Perhaps the years are catching up to you, and you can see the end looming up. Perhaps, like David, you believe there is still something you need to leave behind. Today, ask God to help you finish everything He has placed on your heart—and to give you peace about it.
