14
But I shall always wait in patience, *
and shall praise you more and more.
15
My mouth shall recount your mighty acts
and saving deeds all day long; *
though I cannot know the number of them.
16
I will begin with the mighty works of the Lord GOD; *
I will recall your righteousness, yours alone.
17
O God, you have taught me since I was young, *
and to this day I tell of your wonderful works.
18
And now that I am old and gray-headed, O God, do not forsake me, *
till I make known your strength to this generation
and your power to all who are to come.
I have been reading, singing, and hearing this Psalm for decades now. The Psalms are full of references to youth and being young. They are also full of references to getting old and aging. This Psalm has both.
As I get older and grayer, I resonate with this Psalm even more.
And now that I am old and gray-headed, O God, do not forsake me, *
till I make known your strength to this generation
and your power to all who are to come.
When I was young I had more energy and strength than I could contain, but I was short on wisdom and tact. Now that my hair is turning white, I am understanding wisdom, but do not have the energy that I once enjoyed. May this God of strength and power work within us to share God’s love in the world.
But I shall always wait in patience, *
and shall praise you more and more.
I wish that I could wait in patience. It would be more accurate to say that I wait in anxiety. I want things-NOW.
I have become accustomed to the digital way of life. Send out an email and get a near immediate response. Spend a few minutes on Twitter and be involved in a dozen conversations. I am not well practiced at waiting.
Yet, the faithful across the centuries have learned that patience is a virtue. Want an answer from God? It always comes, but it comes in God’s time. Want justice? It doesn’t usually occur on our schedule. Want the feeling of forgiveness and reconciliation? Better wait for God to do that work in you.
Want God’s peace in your life? Patience.