08/02/2019 - HE WILL NEVER FORSAKE US

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Now also when I am old and gray headed, O God, do not forsake me, Until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to everyone who is to come. Psalm 71:18

David’s concern with aging is worthy of comment. Many people, when they no longer have the strength of their days of youth, are ignored by the younger ones and are considered insignificant. It is a mistake to think this way, for even though physical strength is not the same as before, the spiritual strength, along with the accumulated experiences and strong faith, has great value.

The king always saw the hand of the Lord working in his favor. He was surrounded by many people in those days and he noticed a certain disdain for him in several people, because the signs of his call to the father’s house were approaching. But when he sought the Lord, he was instructed to ask Him not to forsake him. Thus, he prayed accordingly and, guided by the Holy Spirit, he wrote the lesson learned in this Psalm. You are allowed to enjoy this blessing, for this is your time to serve God.

Now you too can cry out and believe that you will have the assistance of the Most High. Being old is the result of a balanced life, obedient to God and full of good deeds. The old man proves that his years were not shortened by the devil. Those who listen to counsel and receive instruction will be wise in their last days (Proverbs 19:20). You need to examine the Bible to know what is said about you (John 5:39).

There are people who grow old even though they are in their early years, and others of advanced age who are still vigorous. Now, those who understand the will of the Lord and fulfill it prove to love Him, and therefore is loved by Him (John 14:21). So do not let anyone despise you. The true servant of God will be honored by Him, whether his hair is white or his face is wrinkled or not.

David’s request came from his understanding of the Word. Now, the Lord has assured us that He will never forsake us. Of course the devil will strive to put an end to our hope. But if we surrender our heart and pray to God, like King Hezekiah did when he heard that he was going to die soon, and therefore he was to set his house in order (2 Kings 20: 1-5), we will be fully heeded.

For a spiritual reason, David interceded not to be forsaken. He did this because he wanted to do more of the work of God. The king knew that he could still make known the power of the Most High to the people. Such behavior and motive lead the heavenly Father to change His plan for the life of a person, prolonging their days on earth. Of course going to Heaven is better than living here, but the son of Jesse wanted to give the generation that was emerging the knowledge and awareness of God and he was answered. 

David’s desire was to prepare material so that those who were born after his death, like us, would come to know how much he understood of the Word. By understanding and believing the Scriptures, they could also be blessed. The king of Israel possessed such a gracious heart!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares