Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come. – Psalm 71:18 (NIV)
I’ve been thinking about aging for a while, also feeling some aches and pains in my body. As I ponder the appreciation of our valuable purpose being as those who ‘mature physically’, I keep hearing from younger folks how my age is ‘old.’
For an example, my daughter and I were at an appointment and one of the employees was having a fun conversation with us about a movie and this employee said the actor is ‘getting old by now, they must be in their fifties or sixties.’ My mind didn’t hear too much of the conversation after that, in my head I was thinking, ‘Wow, this person must think I’m ancient.’ Then my mind went to other conversations I have encountered when others thought “those” ages are old. I must have looked like a deer in the headlights for a brief moment while I appeared to be listening and partaking in the conversation. I’m sure that’s a skill for us “older” folks.
God always brings me back to reality and reminds me of those in His word that have done amazing things in old age. I did a study on the ages of these people from the bible and some were over the age of what we consider senior citizens (AARP say 55-boo!) to over 900 years old, so, in my reality, us “old” folks are just senior toddlers.
Noah built an ark which took him over 100 years to build (Hebrews 11:7), Abraham and Sarah were raising their own child when over the age of one hundred (Genesis 21:5), Job lost his children and started over at an old age (Job 42:10). God tells us in the book of Titus 2 that we as “older’ women can teach the younger women. These are just a few of the many older folks God used.
I believe God allows us to see His use and purpose for older folks because ‘we’ aren’t done yet. We are still valuable and productive no matter where we are. We can still declare God’s power to all who are to come, whether we are in a nursing home, a hospital, a doctor’s office, volunteering, being a neighbor, raising grandchildren or visiting with grandchildren. Whether from a walker, wheelchair or bedside, working or retired, we have a story to share, a light that shines, because we have our Savior who has not forsaken us, who gives us His strength to be what He desires from where we are and whatever age we may be. (Psalm 89:15; Deuteronomy 32:10; Zechariah 2:8) Amen!
Heavenly Father, thank You that You do not cast us off in the time of old age and that You are our strength when ours is failing. Thank You that You pursue us to receive You as Savior even when we are old, because salvation matters to You. Thank You that You give us Your wisdom when we ask and that You are our testimony to share with all as ‘Seniors for Christ’ or younger. May Your will be done in our lives and those who are to come. (Psalm 71:9; Psalm 89:17; 2 Peter 3:9; James 1:5)
This devotion by author, Terrie Miles, is exclusively and solely shared with permission to New Beginnings Church. Any unauthorized printed reproduction, sharing or use of this material is prohibited.
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