Yes,
even when I am old and gray-haired, God, don’t forsake me, until I have declared your strength to the next generation, your might to everyone who is to come.
Psalm 71:18
Psalm 71 [10.] For my enemies talk about me.
Those who watch for my soul conspire together,
saying, “God has forsaken him.
Pursue and take him, for no one will rescue him.”
God, don’t be far from me.
My God, hurry to help me.
Let my accusers be disappointed and consumed.
Let them be covered with disgrace and scorn who want to harm me.
But I will always hope,
and will add to all of your praise.
My mouth will tell about your righteousness,
and of your salvation all day,
though I don’t know its full measure.
I will come with the mighty acts of the Lord Yahweh.
I will make mention of your righteousness, even of yours alone.
God, you have taught me from my youth.
Until now, I have declared your wondrous works.
Yes, even when I am old and gray-haired, God, don’t forsake me,
until I have declared your strength to the next generation,
your might to everyone who is to come.
Your righteousness also, God, reaches to the heavens;
you have done great things.
God, who is like you?
Psalm 71 [20.] You, who have shown us many and bitter troubles,
you will let me live.
You will bring us up again from the depths of the earth.
Meaning:
This verse reflects a deep desire to continue serving God and sharing His greatness, even into old age. The psalmist expresses a plea that God would not abandon him in his later years but would give him the strength and opportunity to proclaim God’s power and works to future generations. There is a sense of both vulnerability and purpose here, as the writer acknowledges the physical frailty that comes with age while also affirming the lifelong mission of bearing witness to God’s faithfulness.
- The Desire for Enduring Purpose
The psalmist’s request for God not to forsake him “even when I am old and gray-haired” reveals a very human concern—the fear of becoming irrelevant or forgotten in one’s later years. As people grow older, they may feel less capable, less physically strong, or even marginalized by society. In these moments, the desire for purpose becomes even more acute. The writer of this psalm knows that his life’s mission is far from over, and he appeals to God for the strength to continue his work, even as his body grows weaker.
What stands out in this verse is the psalmist’s desire to declare God’s strength and might to the next generation. His focus is not on himself but on ensuring that God’s works are made known to those who come after him. This reflects a profound understanding that the work of sharing God’s message is a generational responsibility. Each generation must pass on the knowledge of God’s greatness to the next, ensuring that His name is remembered and revered by those who have yet to experience His mighty acts.
This echoes the sentiment found in Psalm 145:4, which says, “One generation will commend your works to another, and will declare your mighty acts.” The psalmist wants to be part of that great chain, contributing to the continual telling of God’s story to those who will follow. There is a deep sense of responsibility to ensure that the knowledge of God’s power and faithfulness does not stop with him but is carried forward into the future.
- God’s Faithfulness Across All Seasons of Life
The psalmist’s plea for God not to forsake him in old age reflects a belief in God’s enduring presence throughout every stage of life. From youth to old age, God remains faithful. Earlier in Psalm 71, the writer reflects on how God has been with him since his youth: “For you are my hope, Lord Yahweh; my confidence from my youth” (Psalm 71:5). He acknowledges that God has guided and sustained him from his earliest days, and now, in his later years, he trusts that God will continue to be with him.
This idea of God’s faithfulness throughout all stages of life is a recurring theme in Scripture. In Isaiah 46:4, God says, “Even to old age I am he, and even to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; yes, I will carry and will deliver.” This promise reassures us that God does not abandon us when we become old or weak. Instead, He continues to carry us, supporting and sustaining us even in our most vulnerable moments.
The psalmist in Psalm 71 trusts in this ongoing faithfulness, but he also longs for the strength to remain active in his calling. He doesn’t want to merely be sustained; he wants to continue being a witness for God, declaring His power to those around him. There’s a deep sense of purpose that transcends age or physical ability. The psalmist knows that as long as he is alive, he has a mission to fulfill, and he asks God to empower him to complete that mission.
- Declaring God’s Strength to the Next Generation
The heart of the psalmist’s prayer is his desire to “declare your strength to the next generation, your might to everyone who is to come.” This is a powerful reminder of the role we all play in passing down the knowledge of God’s works to those who come after us. Our faith is not meant to be a private or isolated experience; it’s something that must be shared and passed on, especially to the younger generation.
In Deuteronomy 6:6-7, the Israelites are commanded to pass on the teachings of God to their children: “These words, which I command you this day, shall be on your heart; and you shall teach them diligently to your children.” This same responsibility applies to us today. We are called to be witnesses to God’s power and faithfulness, sharing the stories of how He has worked in our lives and in the world around us.
The psalmist’s request reminds us that we have a duty to ensure that the next generation knows about God’s might. Whether we are parents, grandparents, mentors, or simply members of the community of faith, we are tasked with declaring God’s strength to those who come after us. It’s not just about telling stories; it’s about passing on a legacy of faith, hope, and trust in God. By sharing how God has worked in our own lives, we inspire others to seek Him and trust in His promises.
- Strength in Weakness
What’s particularly moving about this verse is the psalmist’s awareness of his own weakness. In old age, when physical strength is diminished, the psalmist turns to God, asking for the strength to continue his work. This echoes the apostle Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 12:9, where God says to Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” In our weakness, God’s strength is most evident. The psalmist doesn’t rely on his own abilities to declare God’s might; he relies on God to empower him to do so, even in his frailty.
This is a beautiful reminder that we don’t have to be physically strong or in perfect health to be used by God. Our calling to declare God’s greatness is not limited by our age or abilities. In fact, it’s often in our weakest moments that God’s power is most clearly displayed. The psalmist, aware of his aging body, still sees his life as having great purpose, knowing that God can use him to testify to the next generation.
Conclusion: Psalm 71:18 is a heartfelt prayer from an aging believer who longs to continue serving God and proclaiming His greatness. The psalmist asks for God’s continued presence and strength so that he can fulfill his mission of declaring God’s might to the next generation. This verse reminds us of the importance of passing on the knowledge of God’s power and faithfulness to those who come after us, ensuring that His name is glorified across all generations.
In a world that often overlooks the elderly or views aging as a loss of purpose, this psalm encourages us to see the tremendous value of every season of life. Whether young or old, we all have a role to play in sharing the story of God’s works. Even in our weakness, God’s strength shines through, and He will use us to declare His greatness as long as we have breath.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible