Sunday, August 21, 2016 Speaker: Dr. David Dawson A Song for Old Age – Finishing Strong Psalm 71 Message 6 in our 8-part series called Songs for the Soul - Psalms in the Summer.

An Overview of Psalm 71 I. The Problem: Troubles and aging II. Looking at the Past: refuge, hope, teaching III. Looking at the Present: stay close, praise IV. Looking to the Future: hope, praise, next generation

Psalm 71 “Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone.” v.9 “Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God.” v.18 I.Look at the challenges of aging a.Physical Changes b.Vulnerability

Psalm 71 “In you, O Lord, I have taken refuge.” v.1 “For you have been my hope, O Sovereign Lord.” v.5 Since my youth, O God, you have taught me.” v.17 II. Look at the past … with gratefulness a.God his Refuge

En-Gedi

Psalm 71 “In you, O Lord, I have taken refuge.” v.1 “For you have been my hope, O Sovereign Lord.” v.5 Since my youth, O God, you have taught me.” v.17 II. Look at the past … with gratefulness a.God his Refuge b.God his Hope c.God his Teacher

Psalm 71 “My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendour all day long.” (v.8) “My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure.” (v.15) “Do not forsake me when my strength is gone.” (v.9) III. Look at the present … with a changed perspective a.Praise, praise, praise b.Stay close, Lord c.Keep praying

Psalm 71 “But as for me, I will always have hope.” (v.14) “Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again…” (v.20) Even when I am old and grey, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation.” (v.18) “They will still bear fruit in old age.” (Ps. 92:14) IV. Look to the future … with hope and purpose a.Hope b.Praise c.Purpose

Take Homes 1.Keep an active list of God’s faithful interventions in your life when He was your refuge, your hope and your teacher. 2.Don’t coast in the senior years; lean all the more on Jesus. 3.Rejoice if you have a long Christian journey – share with others from your rich storehouse of experiences with God. 4.Resolve to praise God in the storms of life despite the storms.

Take Homes 5. Trust God to restore your life again. 6. Pass the baton of faith with purpose to the next generation; receive the baton of faith with courage. 7. Thank God for the fruitfulness and faithfulness of our senior brothers and sisters.

Take Homes Hug a senior today