Staying Relevant.

“O God, you have taught me from my earliest childhood, and I constantly tell others about the wonderful things you do.” (Psalm71:17, NLT)

I get what David was asking God. After so much time in the Lord’s service. Dating as far back as his youth when he killed the giant Goliath, then serving on the throne as God’s chosen ruler and the people’s king David always wanted to operate in the will of God. He knew being in the will of God and being taught by God made him relevant for his time and season. David was about to retire and let his son Solomon take the throne and he wanted to know if God was going to forget about him or put him out to pasture like the sheep he once cared for.

Some days I can feel old. People can make me feel that way. Especially if I am out and about and being called “honey or dear” a lot. One look at the gray on my head and there’s no question what generation I am part of. If we do not die in our youth then we will all, at some point, join the ranks of those who are elderly or aged and at some point, question our relevancy or wonder if God will continue teaching us or speaking new things to us. And the truth is the world often sends signals that we are no longer relevant, up to date, or even useful in a youth oriented and driven society and culture and that includes Christianity.

The definition of relevancy is,

“Being appropriate to the current time, period, or circumstances; of contemporary interest. Being closely connected or appropriate to what is being done or considered.”

Maybe a good, encouraging word for those of us who are getting up in years, approaching a time of life where the gray is coming in, or just past their twenties and not feeling so young anymore. It’s just the world’s thinking that sees aging people as out of touch or irrelevant. In God’s view and kingdom there is no such thing. Remember God often handpicked those who were up in age to accomplish his will, which turned out to be great things and he will not only ALWAYS find a place for you he has made a place for you and a plan to use you in his earthly kingdom for as long as you are alive and as long as you are willing.  

For those who may be wondering about their continued usefulness just as David did, today is a good day to celebrate the gifts God has sown into you, and how he is seasoning you for the road and years ahead. I love it when he told Job, “Your later shall be greater than your former.” (Job 8:7) It means even when you think or feel the best is behind you, God says, know this, the best is still yet to come! You will be relevant because you are God’s creation and part of his plan to bring his salvation to others. Let’s Pray,

Dear God, thank you for this wonderful assurance. We don’t always speak our concerns aloud, but you always know what we are thinking or feeling. Thank you for letting us know as long as we are alive and willing, we will remain relevant and part of your great plan to bring the good news of salvation to others. Amen     

Questions for Soul-tending:

Are you identifying with David’s prayerful question?

What makes you feel relevant? What causes you to feel you are becoming irrelevant?

What does God’s promise of using you all of your life, no matter what condition you are in mean to you?

How will you incorporate todays focus into your plan of soul-care?