Until I Have Shewed Thy Strength

The Tree

The psalmist prays this specifically in old age, and the request is striking. Not merely for personal comfort or ease in his remaining years, but for continued strength specifically to keep showing God’s own strength to this generation, and to every one that is to come, a purpose extending well past his own remaining lifetime.

This offers a picture worth holding for whatever stage of parenting you are currently in, and whatever stage lies ahead. The work of showing God’s strength to the next generation does not have a natural retirement age. It continues, this psalm suggests, as long as breath and strength remain, aimed specifically at generations the psalmist himself may never personally meet.

This is worth applying to grandparenting, mentoring, and whatever influence remains available to you across the whole span of your life, not only the active, daily years of raising young children directly. The harvest this movement describes is not limited to a single season. It extends, this prayer insists, until you have shewed thy strength, across your whole remaining life.

Whatever stage of life you are currently in, ask God today for this same extended purpose, continued strength specifically for showing his own strength to this generation, and to whatever generations still lie ahead, beyond even what you will personally live to see.