Wisdom Wednesdays - Flourishing in Old Age Part 2

This week, I'm meditating on Psalm 71 and the encouragement for growing old found there.  In the Tree of Life Bible version, this psalm is titled, "My Hope When I Am Gray."

So much of this psalm is my testimony, such as:

For You are my hope, Adonai my Lord—
my trust from my youth.

From my birth, I have leaned on You.
You took me out of my mother’s womb.
My praise is always about You.

(verses 5 - 6)

I cannot remember a time when I did not believe in G-d.  My mother's pregnancy was difficult and I am blessed to be alive.  Adonai saved me and I praise and thank Him for protecting and preserving me.

In verse nine, the psalmist prays,

"Do not cast me away in the time of old age.
When my strength fails, do not forsake me."

He prays this prayer, but he has faith and his hope is in Adonai. That is my hope also.  He has seen me through so many deep valleys.  There were times when I almost despaired, but I held to His hand and my Bible.  I believed His promises.  That's what the psalmist does in this passage.  He speaks of his hope:

So even until I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me,
till I tell of Your strong arm to the next generation,
Your might to all who are to come.
For Your righteousness, O God,
    reaches to high heaven.
You have done great things—O God,
who is like You?
You made me see many troubles and evils
    —You will revive me again—
from the depths of the earth
    You will bring me up again.

That's faith, Gail-Friends. . . believing that G-d will see you through, no matter how dark the valley.  It's believing that He will carry you through the golden years.  

Old age is not for sissies, but flourishing in old age is possible.  By having faith and hope and by praise, we will flourish. 

So I will praise You with the harp for your truth, O my G-d.
I will sing praises to You with the lyre O Holy One of Israel.My lips will shout for joy
—when I sing praises to You—
and my soul, which You have redeemed.

  Also, my tongue will tell of Your righteousness all day.

Next week, I will share some tips from the Scriptures that will help with flourishing in old age. 

You may like to read Flourishing in Old Age Part 1 and Part 3
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