THANKFUL

Chatting with Jesus

Thursday, June 6, 2024

Lord, people fear losing this. No one wants to lose it or they’d become insignificant. Someone said humans are the only animals that would rather die than be insignificant. As the psalmist aged, his writing appears that he feared losing his relevance. We hear him pleading his case with you.

“O God, you have taught me from my earliest childhood, and I constantly tell others about the wonderful things you do. (Psalm 71:17 NLT).

From the psalmist’s earliest memories, people taught him to revere and trust the Lord. Not a day of his childhood go by without him hearing of your goodness. He dedicated his life to serving you and enthusiastically shared the good news of your grace and redemption. As he aged, he gained power and influence, becoming the “big man on campus.” People consulted the wisdom of the wise wheeler-dealer.  Public recognition had its prestige.

Then Father Time caught up with him, and the fear closed in.

“Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God” (vs 18a).

As in years past, the psalmist rose in power and replaced his predecessor. Now, another one of influence moved into power to replace the psalmist. I can hear his plea. “Lord, please don’t let me become irrelevant. I may be old, but I still have a lot to give. I’ve got a lifetime of experience in serving you to teach this new generation. Please don’t let me become insignificant.”

Lord, you granted his request and gave him a new relevant job. As the previous generation taught the psalmist about you, now this joyful task fell to the psalmist.

“Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me” (vs 18b).

Lord, as long as we have breath, may all who belong to you remain relevant to furthering “your kingdom come, your will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven.” Amen, Jesus.