Old Testament: Psa 71.17–18

To read the Bible in a year, read Psalms 70–72 on August 3, In the year of our Lord Christ 2024

By Don Ruhl 

We want to live for a long time, but do we give the Lord a good reason to prolong our lives? Consider what the psalmist prayed: “O God, You have taught me from my youth; and to this day I declare Your wondrous works. Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to everyone who is to come” (Psalm 71.17–18). 

Since God had taught the psalmist, he taught others, but he wanted to continue to teach his generation and that would require him continuing to live. 

Therefore, he asked that God not forsake him, but let him live until he had accomplished his task. 

Questions from today’s reading and devotional: 

• Why do you want to live long? 
• Does your reason for living long have anything to do with the Lord? 

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Don preaches with the Savage Street Church of Christ in Grants Pass, Oregon. 

Listen to his sermons here: GrantsPassChurchOfChrist.com