Definition: Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto [this] generation, [and] thy power to every one [that] is to come.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Psalm 71:18. It’s a really beautiful and powerful statement about trust in God. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse speaks about a deep sense of confidence and reliance on God, even when we are old and nearing the end of our life. It emphasizes that we don't want to be abandoned by God until we get to show Him something – essentially, we’re leaving a legacy for future generations. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "Now also when I am old and grayheaded..." : This sets the scene - we’re talking about our later years, likely approaching the end of our life. "Grayheaded" is a poetic way of saying older or nearing the end of our days. "...O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto [this] generation..." : This is the key part. “Forsake me” means to abandon or leave someone behind. "Shewed thy strength" means to show Him something – to demonstrate His power and greatness. It’s like saying, “I don’t want to be forgotten by you.” "...and [this] generation..." : This refers to our generation – the people who are living now. It's not just about us individually; it’s about the future generations inheriting what we’ve done and taught. "...and thy power to every one [that] is to come." : This means that God's strength and influence will continue to be felt throughout time, even after we are gone. It suggests a lasting legacy of His power. Overall Meaning & Feeling: The verse expresses a feeling of profound trust and hope. It’s saying that we don't need to rely on ourselves completely in our later life; God is powerful enough to continue to influence and bless the world even after we are no longer here. It’s about leaving something behind for those who come after us, demonstrating God's greatness and enduring legacy. In short, it’s a plea for continued trust and a desire for a lasting impact from God. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Connect it to a specific theme in the Bible (like faith, legacy, or hope)?