David marked that although the lives of some while in the strength of manhood had been righteous, as old age came upon them they seemed to lose their self-control. Satan stepped in and guided their minds, making them restless and dissatisfied. He saw that many of the aged seemed forsaken of God and exposed themselves to the ridicule and reproaches of his enemies. David was deeply moved; he was distressed as he looked forward to the time when he should be aged. He feared that God would leave him and that he would be as unhappy as other aged persons whose course he had noticed, and would be left to the reproach of the enemies of the Lord. With this burden upon him he earnestly prays: “Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.” “O God, Thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared Thy wondrous works. Now also when I am old and gray-headed, O God, forsake me not; until I have showed Thy strength unto this generation, and Thy power to everyone that is to come.” Psalm 71:9, 17, 18. David felt the necessity of guarding against the evils which attend old age. {1T 423.1}

David lagde mærke til, at skønt nogle i deres manddoms styrke havde været retfærdige, syntes de at miste deres selvbeherskelse, når alderdommen kom. Den onde trængte ind og tog ledelsen af deres sind og gjorde dem hvileløse og utilfredse. Han så, at mange af de gamle synes at være forladt af Gud og udsatte sig for Guds fjendes latterliggørelse og forsmædelse. David blev dybt grebet; det ærgrede ham, når han så fremad til den tid, da han skulle blive gammel. Han frygtede for, at Gud ville forlade ham og at han ville blive lige så ulykkelig som de andre gamle, hvis liv han havde lagt mærke til og at han kunne blive overladt til forsmædelse fra Herrens fjender. Med denne byrde hvilende på sig beder han alvorligt: »Forkast mig ikke i alderdommens tid og svigt mig ikke, nu kraften svinder!« »Gud, du har vejledet mig fra min ungdom af, dine undere har jeg forkyndt til nu. Indtil alderdommens tid og de grånende hår svigte du mig ikke, o Gud. End skal jeg prise din arm for alle kommende slægter.« Sal. 71,9.17.18. David følte nødvendigheden af at være på vagt mod de onder, som alderdommen bringer med sig.