Psalms 71:18

Psalms 71:18

Verse 18 expresses a plea tied to mission and legacy: even in old age, the speaker asks God not to abandon them until they have shown God’s strength and power to the next generations. The phrase “when I am old and greyheaded” acknowledges the natural aging process, while the plea for continued strength highlights a purpose-driven life—aging as a season of pilgrimage, not retirement. The request to “shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come” frames life as a relay race: faith is handed from one generation to the next through testimony and demonstration of God’s power.

Culturally, intergenerational transmission was crucial in Israel’s faith: elders impart wisdom, stories, and trust in God to younger people. The psalmist sees his life as a visible sign of God’s vitality and sovereignty.

This verse centers on God’s sustaining power across generations and the believer’s role in missional legacy. It affirms that God’s strength is not exhausted with age but is a resource the elderly can steward to inspire faith in the young. It also emphasizes patience in mission—discipleship is lifelong, not confined to youth. The speaker’s trust in God’s ongoing enabling anticipates the ongoing work of God in every generation, reinforcing a robust, communal understanding of salvation that spans time.

Practical steps: season your aging years with intentional ministry. Mentor a younger believer, share stories of God’s faithfulness, and model perseverance in worship and service. If you’re aging, consider how you can contribute to the next generation—perhaps through volunteering, writing your testimony, or teaching a Sunday school class. For those in younger years, seek out older mentors who can share wisdom and prayer. The verse invites communities to value aging as a resource for spiritual continuity, not merely a stage of withdrawal.

Cross-References: Psalm 92:14-15; Deuteronomy 32:7; Titus 2:2-3; Psalm 71:9; Isaiah 46:4