May 11th — Psalm 71

“In you, O Lord, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame. In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; incline your ear to me and save me. Be to me a rock of refuge, a strong fortress, to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and cruel. For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O Lord, from my youth. Upon you I have leaned from my birth; it was you who took me from my mother’s womb. My praise is continually of you. I have been like a portent to many, but you are my strong refuge. My mouth is filled with your praise, and with your glory all day long. Do not cast me off in the time of old age; do not forsake me when my strength is spent.” Psalm 71:1-9

Old age can be a particularly tough time for many. There are plenty of people who do not age well. As such, aging can be a time of dread and fear, as the body weakens, and aches and pains set in. In this day of this invasive virus, one that targets the elderly and those who have underlying medical conditions, there are many who live in fear. It is not enough that life gets more difficult the older we get, now we have to be afraid of the invisible enemies like viruses.

The Psalmist here seems to fear that G-d will abandon him in his old age, as he has seen those of the world treat the elderly. As such the Psalmist prays, “Do not cast me away when I am old.” Thank the Lord that G-d’s ways are not man’s ways, and we are also grateful that G-d gives special grace to the weak.

Old age robs us of our youthful looks, and deprives us of our youthful strength for active service; but it does not lower us in the love and favor of G-d. We have to fight a society that wants to warehouse the elderly — tossing them aside like worn out socks. As old age approaches, our strength in many respects will fail us: but G-d will not cast us off nor cast away his love and grace. And, the people of G-d should imitate G-d’s example in showing their kindness towards such as have spent their health and strength in their service of love, life and faith.

PRAYER

God our strong fortress, do not forsake us in youth or old age. Help us to follow your will through all our years and under all circumstances, that forever we may praise your faithfulness; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Amen.