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A few weeks ago, I wrote about finishing strong, thinking about King David’s adultery and murder after he had written so many glowing things about God earlier in his life. I concluded that we needed to stay with the spiritual disciplines.

Upon reflection, I think the disciplines are only part of the solution. David’s failure happened when he didn’t go into battle. 

In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king’s men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem. (2 Samuel 11.1, NIV)

“When kings go off to war, David…remained in Jerusalem.”

The old Navigators used to say to aging staff: “The battle doesn’t need you; you need the battle!”

There’s wisdom in that. Let’s stay engaged! The excellent secular book Younger Next Year is mostly about eating and exercising smartly to function well as you age. But it ends with this helpful advice:

Our advice is simple. Forget retiring to an easy chair, with the remote. That’s crazy. Work hard at the rest of your life, but do it your own way. Get into good shape. Then go out and take some chances. Get to know new people. Work hard at relationships, and get involved in your community or some projects. (Chapter 21)

As believers, we have the best project of all to be involved with!

O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come. (Psalm 71.17, 18, ESV)