The following is a testimony of how a study of Psalm 71 impacted one of our Heartstrong Lifegroups:
At the Lifegroup session on December 6, 2021, during the discussion on Psalm 71, two verses captured Judy Morris’s attention and deeply spoke to her:
“Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone.” Psalm 71: 9 (NIV).
“Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.” Psalm 71:18(NIV).
Judy said this, “As I listened to these bible verses, the Holy Spirit prompted me to raise my hand to share. I love these mornings, but I have not been very vocal and would have remained quiet but felt such a strong pull in my spirit to comment. I began talking about reaching an elder age and feeling a transition. I lacked confidence, felt invisible, and sometimes even marginalized due to my age and silver hair. As I spoke, the tears began. I was questioning where I fit now and in the years to come. I have great faith in God, not so much in myself. Do others feel this way? Do the younger generations see seniors as useless or worthwhile in this world? Passed over and disregarded? I believe God wants to use each of us to further His Kingdom. In the Old Testament, people lived very long lives. Sarah birthed Issac when she was advanced in age. Maybe I need to change my perspective and pray to God for clarity. God calls us to stand firm in His love, and our age probably is not a factor. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NIV) says, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” Coming forward to speak from the heart that morning has strengthened me, giving me the courage and faith to step out when called. I WILL NOT HOLD BACK. I know God is with me. I had no idea my sharing would inspire Martin Epps to include me in his song about being HeartStrong.
Martin was very touched by what Judy said. He expressed it this way, “I remember how I felt when the HeartStrong session was over that morning. I was full of emotion and compassion. Judy’s confession about the emotional, mental and physical struggles she experienced with her identity as she got older touched me deeply. Many others may feel the same way or have a loved one struggling with these same issues. I am grateful she did not hold back but stepped out in FAITH. Her testimony OPENED my EYES to SEE my friends and family with gray hair in a new light. I am more aware of their care, support and encouragement needs. Now, I often think about what God says about old age in the Bible. Thank you, Judy, for being STRONG and COURAGEOUS (Joshua 1:9).”
Following that morning, to honour Judy’s courage and vulnerability, Martin added a verse* to his song on being HeartStrong and our response to Jesus. He played the entire piece as a digital Christmas gift to the Heartstrong family at the early morning Christmas Party on December 23, 2021.
Tip for your Spiritual Toolbox: Remember when God asks us to step out in faith, it is not just for us but also to bless others.
Verse* from Song** HeartStrong Ready – Encouragement Psalms 71
Your encouragement is like nourishment better than perma-FIT
Better than Pastor Lori’s homemade muffins or a baNANa-SPLIT
This goes out to Judy (Morris), so none of us do FOR-GET
It’s like a song, a rhyme, psalm, 70 ONE, – NINE
Don’t cast me away when I’m old, lone and cold, Make me bold,
Strength like Sampson to break the mold, Release the hold the world has on me
Grab on me, blab on me; GOD won’t pass on me
We think these gray hairs don’t have a place to be
Doubt no more, Isaiah 46:4 He rescues me
From the top of the mountains
To the depths of the sea
He leaves the 99 Just to find me
Up early in the morning,
Heartstrong Fami-LY
Faithful-LY praising the Almigh-TY
He walks with me
Through…Storms and Tears
Doubts and Fears (P)
He’s never let me down,
In All my Years!
*Verse Inspired by Judy Morris’ heartfelt testimony in HeartStrong 12/6/21.
**Verse written and performed by Martin “Quantum” Epps, copyright 2022
Jane Berube
Thank you for sharing this. It really touched my heart, especially Psalm 71:18 “Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.” I am someone that would not be considered “old”, but I have a full head of grey hair. It is my hope that even though I have these grey hairs, it is just a part of me, a part of the refining and maturing process, but I can understand the feeling of wondering if the younger ones look at me as being “old”. No matter what color my hair turns, I pray for a long life so I too can share the love of Jesus with the next generation and see them rise up to be mighty followers of Jesus. I am so thankful for the older generation as they are such a blessing, and I look to them for wisdom and direction. “Grey hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life” Prov 16:31.
Melissa Lapensee
Reading this testimony brings to mind a verse from a favourite song. “If I’m not dead you’re not done. Greater things are still to come.” (My Testimony by Elevation Worship) I believe my age, experience, and freedom in retirement gives me so much more opportunity to work in God’s Kingdom than I had when I was so busy working and raising my kids. In His Kingdom everyone has a place, a role, a part to play.