David is in the winter of his life. His is reflecting on the span of his life, between those markers known as “young” (Na`ar – a lad or youth) and “old” (Zaqen – to show age). He also reflects on the providence of the righteous (Tsaddiyq – one correct in conduct and character).
He says that he has never been forsaken (`azab – to be deserted or left behind) nor have his children beg for sustenance. Mind you, this observation comes from a man who has seen the extremes of both highs and lows. (biblestudytools.com)
A few things come to mind as we reflect on this passage.
- David is reflecting on his life: all he has been, done, seen.
- He realizes that he is old, that his end is closer than it has ever been, though he has faced death many times.
- Yet he definitively states that he has never seen God’s people lack His provision.
- Thus, he is reflecting on the immutable goodness of God to His own.
And so, as we begin this last week of the course, consider the following questions:
- Do you periodically reflect on your life in a deep way? If so, why, and if not, why not? (Socrates said, “an unexamined life is not worth living.”)
- Whatever your age, do you consider what you want your life to stand for, and the statement your life is currently making?
- How has God provided for you in the stages of your life, and to what extent are you perpetuating those provision stories to the next generation of those around you?
When all is said and done, if we are people of the Cross, we are a part of a holy chain that reaches from here to Heaven. We have elders who have now gone before us, but in their time, reached out to spiritually invest in us, and through us perpetuate the Kingdom. We, living in the present, honor God and our elders by investing in those coming behind us, thus continuing a forging of this holy chain, link by link, until Jesus comes to take His Bride, the Church, home.
Reflect on the above in this our last devotional forum of the course.
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