Senior Moments ??

"I have become as a wonder to many, but You are my strong refuge.  Let my mouth be filled with Your praise and with Your glory all the day.  Do not cast me off in the time of old age; do not forsake me when my strength fails..."  Psalm 71: 7-9

This picture says it all.

The 71st Psalm is entitled (in my Bible) "A Prayer for Old Age".  I had "old age" on my mind today...what's left of my mind, that is.  It seems as though I had a major senior moment today when one of the young whippersnappers at work asked me if I had prepared a check for "Joe"...and I had no clue who "Joe" was, and certainly no idea as to why he needed a check and for how much...   Then this young smart fella asked me if I remembered a conversation several days ago regarding this "Joe", and the fact that he should be paid for something he apparently did...and I honestly could not remember a word of it.  At that moment I "became a wonder" to this young man.  He could not believe that I could forget such a thing.  However, a word in my favor...I never received any written confirmation of this request, and therefore, I am not held responsible for writing checks without written requests and backup information. So I was saved.  God was my strong refuge...He gave me a way out...and my mouth IS filled with His praise!

But the fact remains startingly clear...I truly did not remember this conversation until after being prodded (hit over the head practically)...and that is what troubles me. Now, I could make lots of excuses, like I have been working through some major work related projects, stressful meetings, huge responsibilities and constant demands for my attention to many details beyond the normal scope of my usual load. I recently took a brief vacation out of state to visit my son who has cancer and to celebrate my grandson's 13th birthday.  I'm still playing catch up at work and at home as a result of that excursion. (It was well worth the extra work to spend that time with my family...regardless of the mess on my desk when I returned).

"Do not cast me off in the time of old age; Do not forsake me when my strength fails. For my enemies speak against me; and those who lie in wait for my life take counsel together, saying, "God has forsaken him; (her) Pursue and take him, for there is none to deliver him."  Psalm 71:9-11

Actually, I am not fearing for my job or my sanity at this point.  I know that God is with me...and He will NOT forsake me either way.  But in this day and age one can see how quickly people can lose their jobs for the simplest of reasons...and we know that we are all like a "dime a dozen" when there are so many younger, smarter people out there begging for work.  So when these "senior moments" come along it makes us stop and think..."Could I be slipping mentally?" (no comments from the peanut gallery out there please).  "Am I really getting to the point where I need to consider retirement?"  "But Lord, I still have too many bills to pay and need to keep working for at least XX number of years so we can survive..."

"But I will hope continually, and will praise You yet more and more.  My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness and Your salvation all the day, for I do not know their limits.  I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD; I will make mention of Your righteousness, of Yours only."  Psalm 71:14-16.

"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 (almost), 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.

I know that God is still in control of my life...whether I work or whether I find that I just can't continue on.  I am secure in Him.  He, who has brought me this far in life, will not fail me now when I start to fail.

"You, who have shown me great and severe troubles, shall revive me again from the depths of the earth.  You shall increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side." Psalm 71:20-21.

"Also with the lute I will praise You, and Your faithfulness, O my God!  To You I will sing with the harp, O Holy One of Israel.  My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing to You, and my soul, which You have redeemed." Psalm 71:22-23

Yes, I will continue to praise my God and Savior no matter what...as long as I have breath (and a sound mind).  (Maybe even when I don't have a sound mind...I will still praise Him). 

"In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid.  What can man do to me?"  Psalm 56:11

Thank you for listening as I worked this out.  I was trying not to let it bother me...but I guess it did. That's why this blog is such good therapy for me.  It forces me to think these things through and explore it through the eyes of God. When I put these issues under the microscope of God's Word, I realize that I have nothing to fear...no matter what.  Amen?

I hope you have this same confidence and hope in the Lord.  It sure does help! 

"In You, O Lord, I put my trust; Let me never be put to shame."  Psalm 71:1

Senior Moments? Bah Humbug!!