Psalm 71, especially verses 17 and 18, has become my prayer point lately as I grow older. Sometimes, I spend time thinking of the numerous things God has taught me using various methods and teaching patterns. I realise that God has been my lifelong instructor in the way of life – spiritual and physical. He has been guiding and guarding me with His words.
I discussed with a young man some weeks ago and during our discussion, I realised how much my experience helped guide him on how to navigate his present condition. He had been worried about many things for many months and as I listened to him speak, I could trace it to a common source because I have experienced a similar thing. After the conversation, I cast my mind back to a few years ago. I recall that at the time that I was going through that particular experience, it wasn’t palatable. I can’t say that I fully understand why God allowed me to go through certain things from a young age, but if the only reason was to help that young man, then they were worth it.
Back to Psalms 71, the Psalmist said that God has taught him from the days of his youth, and a direct consequence of such periods of instruction is that he has continued to declare the wondrous works of God. That is, the things that God has taught him directly and indirectly, he made it a duty to relay to the people around him.
The Psalmist certainly enjoyed this instructor-student relationship, which is why as he approached old age, he deeply desired that God would not discard him because he still had much to learn and to give out. First, he wanted to show the strength of God to his generation. His generation still needed to hear God’s voice in his mouth and take instructions from it. As long as we live, there is always something to learn and apply. “There is nothing new under the sun” but it’s new to you who hasn’t walked the face of the earth before.
The Psalmist didn’t stop with his generation. He expressed another desire which is my sincere desire each time. “Help me to show your power to everyone that is to come” is such a profound prayer by one who considered the plight of the generations to come and wanted to enlighten them as soon as they can understand written and spoken words.
The Psalmist was interested in leaving a legacy for the generations to come. Not personal legacy with his name written all over it, but useful knowledge that can be captioned, the power of God. He considered what he has learnt and still learning from God so crucial that it would still be relevant to the oncoming generations. He considered the learnings timeless knowledge and wisdom that transcend his generation. The lessons of his youth will serve the next generation of young people and his lessons as an old man will serve the next old people.
You see, God doesn’t waste the experiences he allows us go through, no wonder by His Spirit he inspired Holy men and women to document what He had taught them. That way, generations to come will learn God’s power and righteousness.
My sincere desire, O Lord, is this:
Since my youth, God, you have taught me,
and to this day I declare your marvellous deeds.
Even when I am old and gray,
do not forsake me, my God,
till I declare your power to the next generation,
your mighty acts to all who are to come.
