Don’t Waste These Gray Hairs

The She Prays Friday edition of the blog seeks to be some of the most encouraging FIVE minutes of your Fridays, straight from the Word of God. Welcome. I’m so glad you are here because today is extra special. It’s my birthday (and I’m not 29–not even close). I have a few gray hairs. And with these and the passing of time, there is the fear of becoming irrelevant. Today’s Scripture screams my sentiments about my age at this stage in life, and maybe your own: Lord, don’t waste these gray hairs! 

Psalm 71:17-18

O God, from my youth you have taught me,
and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds.

So even to old age and gray hairs,
O God, do not forsake me,
until I proclaim your might to another generation,
your power to all those to come. 

I am experiencing another turning of the clock, becoming a much older version of myself. This birthday is not a Big One, just another one. Sort of like our Psalmist, I have been reflecting on the reality of life and the passing of time. Here the author ponders his reality, that God has been with him teaching him, growing him in his character, and allowing him to experience the wonders of who God is and what He does—which enables him to tell other people just how great God is.

And this has been fulfilling.

So much so, this is what he does not want to stop. The Psalmist fears, much like you and I might fear, in the quietness of our own hearts–that we will get passed over. Replaced. Not picked anymore, because we are too old. No one wants to listen. What could we possibly have to offer?

While this may be true when it comes to fashion (as I refuse the high wasted movement from the ’80s), keeping up with the latest technology trends, or advising people about what entity sells the best kale and chi tea.

Like the Psalmist…

My heart’s cry is not about all that. I don’t need to be so cool, and you likely feel the same way. More than anything, I want God to keep me relevant enough to proclaim His glory, His goodness, His mercy, His compassion, and His overall Ableness–to the next generation AND BEYOND. “You can take a lot of things, but please don’t take that!” This is the essence of the Psalmist’s prayer.

I don’t know if you have ever felt this way, holding a passion to continue passing on what God has done beyond your own experience–but it is a gift worth asking God to continue to give.

Today, I pray for the one who is a believer who is filled with the desires articulated in the verses in Psalm 71. I am going to pray the Scripture over you much like I have prayed it over myself for the last few years.

A “Don’t Waste These Gray Hairs” Prayer

Lord,

Today I pray over my friend reading as one who knows You. She is one of Your own children. I thank you that You have been with her to teach her, showing Yourself to her, so that she knows of Your wonders and mercy and greatness. I thank you for her willingness to share You with others so much so that THIS IS HER HEART.

As time keeps marching onward, the years are passing. Entropy is setting in. Age is much more apparent, and the fears of getting passed by in so many areas creep in. Let this not be so with YOU. Do not forsake Your own, Lord. Not until she has proclaimed Your greatness to another generation, and your power to ALL those to come.

This is a hefty request because ALL MEANS ALL. But You, alone, are able to make this a reality in her life. I ask that you be gracious to her and give her this blessing.

In the glorious and powerfully able Name of Jesus,

Amen. So be it.

Be sure to stop by FB or Instagram to wish me a happy gray-headed Birthday (LOL), and remind me to keep my eyes right here–focused on God’s willingness to give what we have asked.

Thanks for stopping by. I pray we meet again soon.

For His Glory,

Have you discovered Cheri on YouVersion where she has over TWENTY different reading plans for you to choose from, such as:

Be sure to check out the Stirring Faith Podcast, where you will find encouraging episodes like this one:

You can meet Cheri on the She Yearns blog for more truth-saturated, Gospel-centered encouragement like this: