It's not for sissies, part II

Everybody wants it.

Many people fear it.

What is it?

The opportunity to grow old.

While it's a blessing from God, old age also has some rather frightening aspects, no? Aging bodies are more susceptible to illness and injury. Health and feelings of usefulness are both declining. Friends and loved ones' deaths often bring on feelings of the reality of one's own death being "around the corner." Children and grandchildren are often busy with other interests. Dwindling income brings fears of financial problems.

It's sad, but our culture here in America does not esteem the elderly. We do not truly value old age. Our society is self-centered, even narcissistic. Often the older generation is viewed as a financial burden. Their care is seen as an obstacle to younger people's pursuits of success.

I have some real problems with the leadership of the nation of China, but their people still view old age as the most respected stage of life. Most of the elderly are cared for in the context of family life; they are not routinely shuffled to the care of strangers.

No matter our age, we should be asking ourselves, "Am I doing the right things to prepare for old age?" I don't mean have we purchased the latest miracle supplement that promises to stave off creaky joints or tottering balance. It's not about the wondrous face cream or body lotion that assures us we will not "look old." I'm not talking about an exercise regimen, nor the special diet that should keep our bodies percolating along nicely.

(Don't get me wrong: diet, exercise, and more should be things that we pay attention to, because we want to be good stewards of the bodies and the health we've been blessed with. But we don't need to agonize over these choices, nor should we spend huge amounts of time staring into the mirror at our wrinkles!)

The more important thought is this: we will be in old age what we are becoming now. If we are not pursuing a life of faith now, we will not be a person of faith then. If we are a negative, grumpy person now, we won't be a cheerful person then. If we aren't developing our walk with God now, we won't be walking closely with Him then.

Psalm 71 (I hope you re-read it again today) is the psalm of an old man. He's had many problems and trials, but he's joyful and is still focused on God. The song shows us that the right way to grow old, the way God would have us grow old, is to develop a walk with Him NOW.

The reason that the psalmist could get a grip on his problems and handle them so well was that he had worked at walking with God in the years leading up to his old age. He had a proven resource to rely on. Even though his body was growing weaker and his enemies were still around, he could be strong inside because he knew His Lord was faithful.

The scholars don't all agree on who wrote Psalm 71. Many feel like the references to the harp and lyre sound like king David. When the songwriter mentions having his greatness increased, that could be David talking about being restored to his throne.

But no matter who wrote it, this psalm will give us instruction on walking with God. And those are good to be reminded of! I hope you will join me in this study.