Daily D – Psalm 71:9

by | Aug 9, 2021 | Daily D | 0 comments

Don’t discard me in my old age. As my strength fails, do not abandon me.
PSALM 71:9 (CSB)

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But don’t turn me out to pasture when I’m old
or put me on the shelf when I can’t pull my weight.

(The Message)

The nice thing about last month’s surgery is the weight loss. I descended past my ideal weight into a zone unseen since we were training for a half-marathon years ago. The bad thing about the weight loss is that it came mostly from lost muscle. I looked like a scarecrow when I put on my shirt before church yesterday.

Reading the Christian Standard Bible’s heading for this psalm made me smile this morning. It says, God’s Help in Old Age. Now Old is in the eye of the beholder. I am still in the middle age group on the charts, and I will stay there as long as I am allowed. 

You may have noticed there are some Sunday School classes with participants who are a generation older than the intended age group. I could be that guy someday soon. 

My bride and I made three circuits around our neighborhood last night for the second time in the last week. Physical therapy begins this week. Strength is returning. Indeed, true to this ancient poem, God has not discarded me or abandoned me. He has not turned me out to pasture. He has not put me on the shelf.

Our team gathered for staff meeting last Friday and reviewed the calendar between now and Christmas. Verses 18 and 19 in this psalm will come true. They say,  

“Now I’m telling the world your wonders;
I’ll keep at it until I’m old and gray.
God, don’t walk off and leave me
until I get out the news
Of your strong right arm to this world, 
news of your power to the world yet to come,
Your famous and righteous
ways, O God.

(The Message)

We have so many training opportunities here and across the country and around the world that it makes my head swim. Therefore, I will get the rest I need day by day. I will go to bed on time and get up on time. I will exercise almost every day, taking necessary respite days whenever necessary. I will choose food and drink wisely. 

I will learn something new every day. I will draw closer to my loved ones, friends, and coworkers. I will develop a greater capacity for emotional intelligence. I will invest time and money in those things that make life richer, fuller, more meaningful for others and for me. 

I will stay close to God through it all. I don’t want to abandon him just I don’t want him to abandon me. He can make it just fine without me, but I cannot make it at all without him. He is my strength. 

What adjustments do you need to make? What age-appropriate behavior do you need more of or less of? Let’s start together today.

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I will trust God for today’s strength and tomorrow’s stamina.

—————————————————————————

Our Father, I am weak, but you are strong. Strengthen me for today’s tasks and opportunities. Give me the self-discipline I need to build strength day by day and to develop the stamina that will get me where you want me to go and to do what you want me to do. Thank you that you never leave us or forsake us, but you are with us all the way. Amen.

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