I will be your God throughout your lifetime–until your hair is white with age, I made you, and i will care for you. I will carry you along and save you. Isaiah 46:4. NLT.
This past week I had the privilege of speaking at our Senior Life Ministry breakfast. So many thoughts crossed my heart and mind as I prepared for this event. This scripture is so full of hope and encouragement. I’ve learned from my story and those of other Seniors that life is unpredictable. During the last years of my husband’s life, he declared his motto to be: the best is yet to be. He truly believed this. I did too, but what we were expecting during this time was not what happened.
He spent the last two and a half years needing a caregiver. This man who was a mentor to many, could no longer talk. Before his stroke, we talked about what our “old age” would look like. We would grow old together, enjoying our sunset years. He passed away at a young sixty-five. Thirteen years later, I am still here leaning on the Lord like I have never done before. The promise in this verse assures us that our God will be our God throughout our lifetime. This includes these senior years. What I have learned is that learning to walk with the Lord today prepares us for our future. The trust lessons we learn today can only help us for our tomorrows.
For my younger readers, can I admit something to you? Senior life can be scary. We fear developing dementia or Alzheimer’s. Running out of money is also a concern. We worry about becoming dependent on our children, and these fears tend to lurk in the back of our thoughts. Health issues become a bigger deal. Falls and fall risk increases as we age. Doctors appointments now include a memory test. Unless we apply God’s Word of hope, truth and trust it is easy to fall into discouragement, isolation and depression. Aging into the
“senior” age is usually gradually. Age 50, AARP begins sending you their information. Come join us. Get discounts on travel, financial advice, social security and medicare changes and other information. Most people at 50 are healthy, working and strong.
Life is changing for retirees. Instead of full retirement benefits at 65, beginning next year it is 67. If you are healthy and have an enjoyable career, it should not be a problem. But some seniors don’t have optimum health, so they will struggle to make it to 67. Personally, at 67 I thought senior life was a breeze–except I had lost my husband when I was 62. For me, it meant re-figuring my life without him. This is where I personally, intentionally began to apply God’s Word about my future. My prayer life became even more important as I navigated the loneliness of widowhood. It was clear the choice was mine, was I going to grow bitter or trust God’s purpose and grow better.
All believing Seniors need to utilize the armor of the Lord daily. Ephesians 6:10-11 became one of my go to verses. Finally, my brethren be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. NKJV. The battle does not ease up because we are older. We have even more to fight for. Our bodies could be weaker, but our spirits should be stronger. We have the privilege to pray for and fight for the next generation. The enemy would love to plant seeds of doubt, isolation and fear, but we must fight against the feeling of uselessness and worthlessness. The fight is still real, but so is the victory.
Our God sees us and loves us. He has a plan for everyone of our days. Psalm 139:16: you saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Learning to trust this promise, isn’t always easy. Ask my friend whose husband is suffering from dementia. But she is finding Him faithful, even in this season of life. To every age reading this, learn your lessons of this season well–you don’t know how much you will need them in your future.
You may not be fighting aging, but no matter what you are facing: God is with you today. He is with you in His power and might. He is with You with His love and purpose, which why we can say “this is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it“. Psalm 118:24.
Father, I thank you for being with us, no matter how old we are. I thank you that we need every generation. Teach us how to trust You and Your Word, to hide them in our hearts so we might not sin against you. I thank you for your trustworthiness in my life and in the lives of your people. In Jesus’ Name amen.
Faith Encounters 