"I Have Been Young" Psalm 37:25 I. Introduction. A. David's observation: Psalm 37:25. B. Easy to forget that elders have been children, teenagers, etc. 1. Endured the temptations of youth. 2. Felt the ambitions of youth. 3. Experienced the disappointments of youth. 4. Also felt the joys and victories of being young. C. The elderly do remember their youth and the temptations and challenges of that time. 1. Experienced and overcome(or seduced by sin). 2. Even in previous times, it took courage, strength and determination to be faithful(Each age claims it is different: really?) II. Body. A. "I have been young." 1. David had passed through this phase of life. 2. What is there about being young that is fascinating? a. The future looms ahead--with all of its possibilities. b. The body and the mind are restless--often impatient--cannot wait until "on one's own." c. The challenges and opportunities lie in the future: it is in my hands. 3. During these formative years proper guidance is needed(and to be accepted by young people). a. Parents love children and want them to be successful: Titus 2:4. (1 In spiritual matters. (2 In secular life. (3 But--often the above are out of balance. b. Attention needs to be given to those you bring into the world. c. Observed one who comes home and starts playing with his toys: yells continuously at the children(care more for toys than girls and boys)? d. Note: Ephesians 6:4. (1 Not provoking: demanding the impossible. (2 Nurture: instruction and training "of the Lord." e. While under your roof--these formative years--they should live by your rules and standards(righteous): Colossians 3:20. f. What do young people have to model? 4. They do grow up. a. Read L. Bolenbaker(marked part). b. Help them grow up: right. c. Give them pleasant memories. B. "Now am old." 1. David had experienced his youth: a good life. a. When Israel confronted by Goliath: I Samuel 17:33. b. This "youth" slew a lion and a bear(while working and protecting flocks), and now--he would: I Samuel 17:45, 49. c. Surely David reflected on the achievements of his youth: the evil days did not come until later. d. My young friend, try to live so that you do nothing that will haunt you in your later years(build pleasant memories). e. Be aware: now young--but--you will be old. f. Parents and friends: help them, they need it. 2. Now David was in the sunset of his life. He could only look back on earthly memories; his future was the next life. C. David believed the lord looks after the righteous: "the righteous not forsaken." 1. Not saying the righteous do not have trouble, sorrows, and disappointments. Common to all: young and old. 2. Someway, somehow, the Lord takes care of His people. 3. Paul's observation: II Corinthians 12:9-10. 4. And: Hebrews 13:5-6. III. Conclusion. A. Young or old, we need to serve the Lord with all our strength and might. B. We need to help others to serve Him, young or old. -James L. Yopp