The Retirement Years

"And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me, Until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to all who are to come."

Psalm 71:18

Our retirement years could be some of our most productive years in service to the Lord. Yet often those who have reached that stage in life fail to see this. They think they've done their part and now it's time for the younger set to take the reigns, or they don't believe that they themselves have anything left to offer. The psalmist didn't hold to either of these views. He asked God to give him the strength to press on with his ministry, even through his elder years. Every Christian is given a spiritual gift to use in service to others (1 Peter 4:10-11) and there is no evidence in scripture that this is to end at any particular age. Perhaps the aging process will change the way we minister, but even if all we can do is pray or share the gospel in a feeble voice, God will be glorified. "Blessed are they who begin in youth to proclaim the name of the Lord, and cease not until their last hour brings their last word for their divine Master." -- Charles Spurgeon