Psalm 71:9 Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength fails. Old men do not always put up this petition. If the desires of many were put into words, they would be for money, power, and many other things. Covetousness is peculiarly the sin of old age. But the favour and presence of God should be our supreme desire. For — I. THERE ARE SOME PECULIAR CIRCUMSTANCES OF OLD AGE WHICH RENDER THIS BLESSING NECESSARY. 1. There is little natural enjoyment (2 Samuel 19:35). 2. The troubles of life often increase. Poverty. Misery of our children, or their evil courses. Loss of friends. Results of the evil training of our children. See David's sorrow. 3. And as troubles increase we are less able to bear them. Jacob could bear the Padan-Aram hardships — he was young; but not the loss of Rachel when he was old. 4. Old age is not always treated with due respect, but often with neglect. 5. Death and eternity are near. II. WHEN MAY WE HOPE FOR THIS BLESSING? Not all old men enjoy it. Oh, the misery of a wicked old age! But if we have been God's servants from our youth, or have become so since we were old, or if now we cast ourselves upon the Lord, then this prayer shall be fulfilled. (Andrew Fuller.) Parallel Verses KJV: Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.WEB: Don't reject me in my old age. Don't forsake me when my strength fails. |
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