Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone. Psalm 71:9
In an essay entitled “Resolutions on Growing Old with God” in his book A Godward Life, John Piper writes some reflections on Psalm 71.
“I do not want to be a grumpy old man,” writes Piper. Instead, he says, “I want to be like the aging man in Psalm 71. Looking at this man’s approach to old age, I have formed some resolutions:”
1. I will remember with wonder and thanks the thousands of times I have leaned on God since my youth.
For you are my hope; O Lord GOD, you are my confidence from my youth. (verse 5)
O God, you have taught me from my youth, and I still declare your wondrous deeds. (verse 17)
2. I will take refuge in God rather than taking offense at my troubles.
In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge. (verse 1)
3. I will speak to God more and more (not less and less) of all his greatness until there is no room in my mouth for murmuring.
My praise is continually of you. (verse 6)
I will…praise You yet more and more. (verse 14)
4. I will hope (doggedly) and not give in to despair, even in the nursing home, and even if I outlive all my friends.
I will hope continually. (verse 14)
5. I will find people to tell about God’s wonderful acts of salvation and never run out, because they are innumerable.
My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness, and of Your salvation all day long, for I do not know the sum of them. (verse 15)
6. I will stay on the lookout for younger people and tell them about the power of God. I will tell them that God is strong and can be trusted in youth and age.
Do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation. (verse 18)
7. I will remember that there are great things about God above my imagination, and soon enough I will know these too.
Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the heavens. (verse 19)
8. I will count all my pain and trouble as a gift from God and a path to glory.
You who have shown me many troubles and distresses will revive me again. (verse 20)
9. I will resist stereotypes of old people, and play and sing and shout with joy (whether it looks dignified or not).
I will praise You with the harp, even Your truth, O my God; to you I will sing praises with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel. (verse 22)
My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to You. (verse 23)
A Godward Life, John Piper