It is good to lay the foundations of faith in childhood and youth. For some Christians, the “golden years” are really “leaden years” because they wasted their youth and did not lay solid foundations of faith. This does not mean that an older person who has missed his opportunities to live for Christ is automatically a failure.

It is never too late to serve God. But the best time to start sowing the seed for a “late harvest” of blessing is in our younger years. The writer of Psalm 71 had a real burden to share this truth with the next generation.

His greatest concern was that he not be put to shame. He wanted to end well to the glory of God. I heard about a preacher who used to pray, “Lord, deliver me from becoming a mean old man!” A friend said to me, “As I grow into old age, I want to become mellow, not rotten.”

As we enter our mature years, we need not fear, because God will protect us. He will be our shelter in the storm, our fortress in the battle. As we continually abide in Him, He will strengthen us and enable us to praise Him; that praise will keep us from criticizing and complaining.

The wicked may accuse, threaten, and attack us, but God will surround and sustain us. He will not always prevent troubles, but He will protect us in troubles and eventually bring us out better than when we went in.

Verse for today: “Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have showed Thy strength unto this generation” (Psalm 71:18).

Also read: Deuteronomy 32:20; Psalm 71; 2 Timothy 1:5-7; 4:7-8.

Action assignment: We live in a youth-oriented culture. Advertising and the media glorify youth and often make fun of the old. Ask God to increase your awareness of someone older who may need your attention. Then make the effort to fill his or her need. That need may be for someone to listen; ask that older person to tell you about his or her spiritual experience, which may also help you lay better foundations for your own faith.

Warren W. Wiersbe
www.backtothebible.in