Youth

It seems that whatever generation we are in, someone will say something disparaging about the youth of the day. I grew up in the ’60s and ’70s. I’m sure you know the things said about the youth then. Ancient quotes by Aristotle and Socrates about the youth during their time exist.

It continues today. Being a retired teacher and a grandmother, I am concerned. There is the side of me that wants to rant and rave. I see and hear things that I am not happy with. But I know my parents and grandparents didn’t like the things going on around them either.

Here’s the fact: We live in a fallen world. We can sit back and do nothing, gripe and complain about how nothing good comes from our youth, or speak the truth.

Psalm 71 was written at the end of the writer’s life. (Some commentators say it is from David.) In it, he calls out to God to be his refuge. He says that in his final days, people were out to get him. Thus, he turns to God, who he knows is the only place to go. He knows because he remembers how God has been with him throughout his life. He has witnessed time and again how God has rescued and saved him even in his mistakes.

He then asks God not to abandon him in his old age until he “can proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me.” Psalm 71:18 (NLT)

Youth from every generation will encounter challenges, just as we did. I hope to share with them how God repeatedly saved me. I want to share with them God can be their refuge and hope. He can be their song, even in the darkest of days!

Today’s prompt is from Five-Minute Friday writing group.