Now also when I am old and grey headed, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.” (Psalm 71:18)

This week I reach a human milestone that some people may never reach, others dread reaching, and a few look back upon with nostalgic bliss: turning 50. I am in the best physical shape that I have been in a long time (not the best shape that I have ever been in my life, I’ll admit) but the best I’ve been in a long time. My birthdays get better every year. I am in a good place in life and have no real aches or pains as I “mature.” I am still learning new things and my spiritual life is reflective of those deeper insights. I don’t think I “look” 50 – I still have hair and it’s not gray … yet … I must confess to you that I still tend to grow resentful against the self-perceived limitations and increasing infirmities associated with aging ascribed by our culture and those younger generations I characterize with a statement Ronald Reagan made when questioned about his age: “I will not exploit for political purposes my opponent’s youth and inexperience.” So I always keep my composure when a fellow pastor tries to elicit an emotional reaction when he refers to me as “old man.” I am not, nor will I ever be anyone’s “old man.”

The Scriptures abound with promises of blessing in old age, so growing old should be an occasion for rejoicing and deepened commitment to whatever the Lord enables one to do. “The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree …those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age” (Psalm 92:12-14).

Regardless of the attitudes or opinions of our culture we need to remember that, as long as the Lord preserves our lives, He has some ministry for us to perform for “this generation” and “to every one that is to come.”

The heartfelt prayer of the psalmist is still appropriate today, for all who will, sooner than they think, enter the time of old age. Note also the following prayer: “Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth” (Psalm 71:9). The belief that God will answer such a prayer, offered in faith and sincerity, was affirmed by David when he said: “I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread” (Psalm 37:25). The time of old age can be a time of happy harvest, if we continue to live as God shows us through Jesus.

I’m still hoping to see the Rolling Stones in concert one day …

Rev. John Moxley can be reached at Jmoxley1@juno.com.