“Do not cast me off in the time of old age;
do not forsake me when my strength fails.”
Psalm 71:9

Most people look forward to their retirement years when they can be freed from daily labor. But not so those who are called by the Lord, for their ministry lasts as long as they live. The psalmist here prays that the Lord sustain him even as age advances and strength wanes. The same fire that dwelt within continues to blaze in him even while his physical body feels the effects of advancing age, because the body ages but the soul does not.

vs 14-15:
“But I will hope continually,
and will praise you yet more and more.
my mouth shall tell of your righteousness
and your salvation all the day…”

The aging psalmist intends to bring praise to God “YET MORE AND MORE.” From a lifetime of growing in the Lord, he can all the more tell others of God’s faithfulness and the salvation and deliverance he has known time and time again throughout his walk with his Lord.

vs 18:
“Now also when I am old and gray-headed,
O God, do not forsake me,
until I declare your strength to this generation,
your power to everyone who is to come.”

Here he pleads for God’s continuing presence, passionate to declare the works of God to all who will listen.

I have known many elderly saints of God, and one thing I’ve witnessed to be constant with them is that regardless of the state of their health as their body shows the effects of age, yet their spirit remains vital and their love for their God continues to grow. God is with them to the very end, and it is is a marvel to behold.

Retirement? I should say NOT!