That’s why I’m suffering the way I am. But this gives me no reason to be ashamed. That’s because I know who I have believed in. I am sure he is able to take care of what I have given him. I can trust him with it until the day he returns as judge.
I will continue to carry you even when you are old. I will take good care of you even when your hair is gray. I have made you, and I will carry you. I will take care of you, and I will save you. I am the Lord.
God, don’t leave me even when I’m old and have gray hair. Let me live to tell my children about your power. Let me tell all of them about your mighty acts.
We live to be about 70. Or we may live to be 80, if we stay healthy. But even our best days are filled with trouble and sorrow. The years quickly pass, and we are gone.
Their roots will be firm in the house of the Lord. They will grow strong and healthy in the courtyards of our God.When they get old, they will still bear fruit. Like young trees they will stay fresh and strong.They will say to everyone,“ The Lord is honest. He is my Rock, and there is no evil in him.”
Remember your Creator. Remember him while you are still young. Think about him before your times of trouble come. The years will come when you will say,“ I don’t find any pleasure in them.”That’s when the sunlight will become dark. The moon and the stars will also grow dark. And the clouds will return after it rains.Remember your Creator before those who guard the house tremble with old age. That’s when strong men will be bent over. The women who grind grain will stop because there are so few of them left. Those who look through the windows won’t be able to see very well.Remember your Creator before the front doors are closed. That’s when the sound of grinding will fade away. Old people will rise up when they hear birds singing. But they will barely hear any of their songs.Remember your Creator before you become afraid of places that are too high. You will also be terrified because of danger in the streets. Remember your Creator before the almond trees have buds on them. That’s when grasshoppers will drag themselves along. Old people will lose their desire. That’s when people will go to their dark homes in the grave. And those who mourn for the dead will walk around in the streets.Remember your Creator before the silver cord is cut. Remember him before the golden bowl is broken. The wheel will be broken at the well. The pitcher will be smashed at the spring.Remember your Creator before you return to the dust you came from. Remember him before your spirit goes back to God who gave it.
I’m already 80 years old. I can hardly tell the difference between what is enjoyable and what isn’t. I can hardly taste what I eat and drink. I can’t even hear the voices of male and female singers anymore. So why should I add my problems to yours?
Once again there was a battle between the Philistines and Israel. David went down with his men to fight against the Philistines. He became very tired.Ishbi- Benob belonged to the family line of Rapha. The tip of his bronze spear weighed seven and a half pounds. He was also armed with a new sword. He said he would kill David.But Abishai, the son of Zeruiah, came to save David. He struck down the Philistine and killed him. Then David’s men made a promise. They said to David,“ We never want you to go out with us to battle again. You are the lamp of Israel’s kingdom. We want that lamp to keep on burning brightly.”
