Growing Old God’s Way
There is something which everybody wants and yet almost everyone
fears: growing old. Old age has many
frightening aspects: an aging body which is more susceptible to illness;
declining strength; feelings of uselessness (especially after retirement); the
loss of friends and loved ones through death; the reality of one’s own death
drawing nearer; loneliness; feelings of alienation from one’s children and
grandchildren, who are busy with other interests and pursuits; and, very often,
financial concerns due to dwindling income.
Sadly, our American culture does not respect the elderly. We are a self-centered, utilitarian society. The younger generation often views the elderly
as a financial burden and, if they require our care, as an interference in the
pursuit of pleasure and success. This
was most disgracefully stated a few years ago by then-Colorado governor,
Richard Lamm (Dem).
In a discussion of spiraling health care costs, he said that
terminally ill elderly people have “a duty to die and get out of the way.” Most would be more polite, but the underlying
attitudes are there. Dr. Kevorkian was
helping Governor Lamm’s wish come true, by assisting the terminally ill in
suicide. Sadly, in 2020 assisted suicide
is legal in 8 states. [1]
But what does God say about it all? If we listen to the One Who created us, we
will hear all about grace and goodness, not fear and resistance.
He reminds us more than once in His Word that growing older is an
honor, “Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous
life.” (Proverbs 16:31) The more
years we live, the more experiences we’re given to learn from, and the more
wisdom and perspective we gain to see life in new and beautiful ways. When we see someone in their later years (or
when we look in the mirror and it’s us!) let’s remember what a gift that is.
And while the media leads us to believe that youth somehow has more
value, the truth is, we are treasured by God at every age. Not only that, but He gives us specific gifts
to share with the world in every season of our lives. In Titus 2:3-5, Paul reminds the older
women to, “Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they
live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.
Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to
be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject
to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.” The generations to come depend on our willingness
to share what God has given us.
Some of us also fear growing older for physical reasons. Aging is often seen as a loss of control.
Maybe our bodies aren’t able to do what they once could; our memories aren’t as
sharp; we begin to need more help than we used to. As the years pass, our fear of the unknown may
grow stronger.
But the truth is, we’ve never been in control anyway! From the moment we were created, whether we’ve
realized it or not, we’ve relied on our Creator for every breath. Growing older helps us to shed that illusion
of control more and more, and to rest in the promises of our loving God. Whether we’re 9 or 90, He vows to be with us
every step of the way.
“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will
sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I
will rescue you.” (Isaiah 46:4)
How can we lean on God as we age, trusting that every day matters,
from our first to our last?
Claim His Promises
Sit with a journal and your Bible, and interview yourself
about growing older. Am I afraid of aging? If so, why? Once you’ve recorded your
thoughts, find specific promises in God’s Word that will help bring you peace
and assurance.
Make Healthy Choices
While the human body is not intended to live forever, we can still
honor our Creator by making choices that bring us health and strength each day.
We are here at this time for a reason, let’s
not miss the opportunities to help guide and encourage those around us!
Celebrate Life Every Day
Whether you’re celebrating your birthday or that of someone you
love, remember that every day in every life matters. Don’t wait for a milestone to make it extra
special. Look in the mirror and cherish
your laugh lines; remember how they are created.
No one fails to see that growing old has its difficulties and
heartaches. But to see only the hot
sands of your desert experience and miss the lovely oases here and there, though
they may be few, is to turn the latter part of your journey through life into
an arid, tasteless endurance which makes everyone miserable.
In Isaiah 46:3-4 we have been given a promise, “Listen to me, O
house of Jacob, all you who remain of the house of Israel, you whom I have
upheld since you were conceived, an have carried since your birth. Even to your
old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you
and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”
Don’t be afraid, my brothers and sisters. You will persevere. You will make it home sooner than you think. Live dangerously for the one who loved you and
died for you at age 33. Don’t throw your
life away on the American dream of retirement. You are as secure as Christ is righteous and
God is just. Don’t settle for anything
less than the joyful sorrows of magnifying Christ in the sacrifices of love.
And then in the Last Day, you will stand and hear, “Well done,
good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put
you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew
25:23)
[1]
http://worldpopulationreview.com/states/assisted-suicide-states/
