Thoughts for the Day

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......

Do not cast me off in the time of old age;
do not forsake me when my strength is spent....

O God, from my youth you have taught me,
and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds.
So even to old age and grey hairs,
O God, do not forsake me,
until I proclaim your might
to all the generations to come.

(Church in Wales Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

We don't know who created Psalm 71, it might have been King David when he was under attack from his son, Absalom. Whoever it was, we see that he has worshipped God from his childhood until the present time. But now doubt is creeping in, and he asks God not to forsake him because he is elderly.

Many people struggle with their faith as they grow older. As they become less able physically to do the things they would have done when younger, they begin to doubt their faith. Perhaps their memory is poor, or they find difficulty walking, or arthritis is causing a problem - whatever the difficulty, when we cannot get to church, or still help with fund-raising, sometimes we start to think we're redundant and can spiral into depression about our faith.

But being a Christian is not all about doing things for our church, to the contrary it's about having faith in God and His plans for our world. Now is the time for the most important work of all. As we grow frailer it's time to become a prayer warrior! Create prayer lists of things to pray for - friends and neighbours, the local church, or the world. Remain in touch with those on your prayer list by phone, text or email, and keep any confidences to yourself. The elderly never need to be lonely!

Heavenly Father,
help us to remember that You
are always with us,
and stand ready to protect us
when we need it.
May we also realise that
we can grow ever closer to You
as we get older,
praying for ourselves and others.
Amen.