The poet, William Wordsworth, wrote the following lines -
"The child is father of the man..." The poet longs for continuity in his response to beauty in nature - from childhood to manhood and into old age. It is an experience of God that he never wants to lose. Five years later Wordsworth wrote another poem which begins with the final lines of this one. He expresses the belief that "trailing clouds of glory do we come from God, who is our home: heaven lies about us in our infancy!"
We would all like our days to pass in tranquility and peace. But life has become much more pressured for all of us. If we pause a moment, we can still see the glory of God in a rainbow, a sunset or a flower. But where is God amid life’s complexity and stress, its conflict and strife?
In Psalm 71, the unnamed Psalmist is facing the unjust accusations of his enemies. He describes them as "wicked", "evil", "cruel" (v. 4), conspiring to "harm" (v. 13) and to "kill" (v. 10).
They say, "God has forsaken him; pursue him and seize him, for no one will rescue him" (v. 11). But he has "taken refuge" in the Lord (v. 1) whom he regards as his "rock" and "fortress" (v. 3).
"I have become like a portent to many, but you are my strong refuge" (v. 7). "Portent" is a "wonder" or "sign" - displaying God’s power or pointing to some future event. The word "but" suggests that people were viewing his situation in a negative light. NEB translates "a solemn warning", while Eugene Petersen has "Many gasp in alarm when they see me" (The Message).
However, we note a thread of faith and praise that runs throughout all his troubles. "For you have been my hope, O Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth. From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother’s womb. I will ever praise you" (vv. 5-6). "My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendour all day long" (v. 8). And at the end of our reading, "But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more" (v. 14). Trusting God and praising God have brought cohesion and meaning to his life. They continue to sustain him in his adverse circumstances.
"So be it when I shall grow old, or let me die!" wrote Wordsworth. Our Psalmist says, "Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone" (v. 9).
What is our biggest fear for old age? Our strength will diminish. Our sight may deteriorate. Our body will cease to function as it does now. Our forgetfulness may increase. We hope we aren’t "off with the daisies"! Will we live with strong assurance of God’s love, presence and grace?
With some people faith is stronger and character more beautiful in old age, even though so much else has been lost. But don’t wait for old age! Begin practising now! Trust God and praise him now - whatever the circumstances.
| Prayer: Dear God, living in this world seems much more complex and tension-producing than it was in Bible times! Again and again we face circumstances beyond our control. We thank you that your are always present in every situation. Enable us to live by faith rather than by fear. Teach us to praise you, no matter what. In Jesus’ name, Amen. |
Perhaps it is
some unexpected
extraordinary
bliss
that leads us to say,
"This is happiness!
Here let me stay!"
But life moves on -
the treasured moment
becomes
a treasured memory.
Perhaps it is
increasing
wrinkles,
graying hair,
arthritic joints,
unsteady heartbeat,
failing sight,
uncertain memory...
and we say,
"That was happiness!
Let me go no further
from the better days!"
As time goes on,
we face
our own mortality.
Lord God,
teach us
to number
our days,
to know your grace,
to sing your praise!
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