Chapter 77—The Prayer of David
I was shown David entreating the Lord not to forsake him when
he should be old, and what it was that called forth his earnest prayer.
He saw that most of the aged around him were unhappy and that
unhappy traits of character increased especially with age. If persons
were naturally close and covetous, they were most disagreeably so in
their old age. If they were 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
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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 manhood 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. He saw that many of the
aged seemed forsaken of God and exposed themselves to the ridicule
and reproaches of his enemies. 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 this burden upon him
he earnestly prays: “Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake
me not when my strength faileth.” “O God, Thou hast taught me from
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