Basic HTML Version
Growing Old Gracefully, June 29
Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength
faileth.
Psalm 71:9
.
David entreated the Lord not to forsake him in old age. And why did he thus
pray? He saw that most of the aged around him were unhappy, because of the
unfortunate traits of their character being increased with their age. If they had
been naturally close and covetous, they were most disagreeably so in mature
years. If they had been jealous, fretful, and impatient, they were especially so
when aged
David was distressed as he saw that kings and nobles who seemed to have
the fear of God before them while in the strength of manhood, became jealous
of their best friends and relatives when aged. They were in continual fear that it
was selfish motives which led their friends to manifest an interest for them. They
would listen to the hints and the deceptive advice of strangers in regard to those
in whom they should confide. Their unrestrained jealousy sometimes burned into
a flame because all did not agree with their failing judgment. Their covetousness
was dreadful. They often thought that their own children and relatives were
wishing them to die in order to take their place and possess their wealth, and
receive the homage which had been bestowed upon them. And some were so
controlled by their jealous, covetous feelings as to destroy their own children.
David marked that although the lives of some while in the strength of man-
hood had been righteous, as old age came upon them they seemed to lose their
self-control. Satan stepped in and guided their minds, making them restless and
dissatisfied....
David was deeply moved; he was distressed as he looked forward to the time
when he should be aged. He feared that God would leave him and that he would
be as unhappy as other aged persons whose course he had noticed, and would be
left to the reproach of the enemies of the Lord. With his burden upon him he
earnestly prays: “Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when
my strength faileth.
[187]
51
The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 3:1148
.
52
Testimonies For The Church 1:422, 423
.
192