OLD AND GRAY HEADED (Psalm 71:18a)
Today’s Reading: Psalms 70-71
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
The fortress of Masada stands high above the Jordan Valley floor. It was here that Herod built his highly protected palace to which he could escape if necessary. Later it was used by Jewish freedom fighters who, for a time, resisted a Roman siege. I suggest that everyone should try to view the movie, “Masada.” It was in this area where David hid from those who sought to destroy him. He may have had this scene in mind as he sang, “You are my rock and my fortress” (Psalm 71:3b).
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Psalm 71:18
Now also when I am old and grayheaded,
O God, do not forsake me,
Until I declare Your strength to this generation,
Your power to everyone who is to come.
The words, “Let God be magnified” (70:4b) are what this blog is all about. Our meditations are a magnifying glass which enlarges our vision of God.
God is with us at every stage of life: in mother’s womb, at birth, in our youth, and in “old age when strength fails” (71:6-9). David even declares his confidence that he will be resurrected from the dead! “You…(God) shall revive me again and bring me up again from the depths of the earth!” (71:20b). Our key verse magnifies our vision so that we can see clearly that old age is simply a continuation of our service to God and of our relationship with Him. Would to God that none of us, when we reach old age, will fail to reach out to the next generations with the Good News of God’s provision for the human family. Who is more equipped than an older person with years of experience to relate to those who are younger the facts of God’s faithfulness and unfailing love? “No-o-o-body!” With the word “nobody,” some of us will think of a former mayor of Toronto, Mel Lastman, who puts his special spin on that word in an appliance commercial currently on television.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, I pray that my old age will be productive in blessing those who are carrying the heavy responsibilities of middle age and by inspiring children and young people with my stories of Your involvement in my life. In Jesus’ Name I ask this request, Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I’m quite old now and that prayer and the key verse fits for me. It may not be a fit for all who read this blog, so I encourage everyone to offer a prayer to God that fits age, family responsibilities, and other considerations. Crossroads has published a book of my stories, but I find that many young people may not take the time to read it. Therefore, I take the time, whenever I know I’m not unwisely intruding, to tell my stories as briefly and effectively as possible (if I knew how to underline on this keyboard I would underline the word “briefly!”). I pray fervently that God’s Spirit will communicate through my words the message needed. Recently, I had the opportunity to share a couple of my stories with a teenaged girl. Her mother said that when she arrived home she proceeded to straighten up her life and even her bedroom. This mother begged me to keep on communicating with young people.
Yours to urge everyone to communicate God’s love and faithfulness!
David
Thinking of “You Are My Hiding Place”, knowing that God is there FOR US. Thank You for that, Lord. In Jesus’ great name, amen
Amen
I pray that I am able to tell my stories of how being faithful has helped my life and how his forgiveness when I tripped up is such a true blessing. Praying that I can influence the younger generations.
Thank you Lord for your many many blessings
Amen Rob and HJR. I’m having some trouble getting on to reply to the blog. It tells me I’m not connected and to try later! I read the blog and replied to your good comments, Rob and HJR so hopefully I am back on. Been reading the blog since it began! I find David’s explanations and his comments very helpful. Blessings to all.
Doreen,I get that message sometimes too especially if I have been away from the puter for several minutes.It is not 100 Words but your WiFi connection,I believe.It may be necessary to restart your ‘puter for a fresh connection if all else fails,if I am correct (It’s been known to happen,lol).I hope this helps.
Thanks GW. I hope I can keep carrying on. I did get through today so I’m happy about that!
I love reading everyone’s comments. I’ve been following along with this blog since November of 2012, and it’s great to see others have as well. Despite the fact that it was written over a four year period (Reverend Mainse took us through the two year journey of the Bible twice), I hope and pray that each time we read it we’ll discover something new. I enjoy seeing you all here and reading your comments. Thank you.
It’s always good hearing comments like yours,Laura.I’ve been following this blog since Sept,2013.It has been a great blessing.God bless
I have a very urgent prayer request on the 22nd of this month the building that I live in is on that day we are scheduled to have a rental board hearing the building that I live in they did extensive work on the outside of our building in the previous years and they want to raise our rent above the normal amount that you can raise it so this hearing is basically just stop it right now I need your prayers because I am extremely stressed out we’ve been given papers to know what to do but I just I just need help in in getting through this this hearing next Wednesday we have to submit if we have any we have to submit our case to the rental board and this is really stressing me out I’ve already asked for help from someone in my building but and I’m I’m really struggling to trust God that he’ll bring me through this like this is a mountain that I didn’t see coming and it’s really testing my faith in God to rely on his word but saints bloggers I need your help I need I need your prayers please help me thank you God bless 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
One more thing this hearing is of a very very serious nature if I don’t participate in this hearing I could lose my apartment of 28 years and be evicted that’s how serious serious serious the situation is I can’t stress it enough