Journey to sunset years
The journey through life, from carefree childhood days to the challenges of old age, is undeniably demanding. It requires resilience and adaptability.
Old age sneaks up on you stealthily, and you are left bewildered by the weariness, aches, and pains that appear out of nowhere!
Your confidence gives way to insecurity, and as you gaze into the mirror, you are confronted by the sight of wrinkles and grey hair, while inside, you still feel the essence of your youthful self.
It hits you hard that you have entered old age! In other words, the last season of your life!
You always knew that old age is inevitable but still…it seems to have sneaked upon you in a trice!
You panic. You get alarmed. You are horrified.
Where have all the years gone?
You realise that you have more years behind you than before you! Maybe, the sun will set on your horizon soon?
Coping
How do you deal with it?
Simple. Just turn to God’s many promises to humanity.
He has promised to be with you and carry you from birth to your old age.
God assures…
“I am He, and even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry and will deliver you” (Isaiah 46:3-4).
Isn’t this reassurance more than enough?
But then, you SHOULD put Jesus FIRST in your life !
You ought to BELIEVE in Christ and find HOPE in God‘s promises .Then, all other things will fall into place.
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well”.~ Mathew 6:33
When you seek Him first, He gives you exactly what you need. You can trust Him.
“Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” ~Psalm 37:4
Leave it to Jesus to take care of the basic needs of your life !
Old age comes with a huge bag of insecurities !
1. Physical changes .
You struggle with movement. You are no longer agile and spry. Your mental sharpness is not as it used to be. You feel mush.
Your days are dominated by health issues now.
The Bible consoles:
“Though outwardly we are wearing out, inwardly we are renewed day by day. Our suffering is light and temporary and is producing for us an eternal glory that is greater than anything we can imagine.” ~ 2 Corinthians 4: 16-17
Remember that this world is temporary, and your pains and aches will pass.
God has promised eternal life and everlasting joy when you leave this earth. Focus on that and rejoice.
2. Feeling Unwanted:
Your children have grown up and moved out to start families of their own. They are busy with their careers and new lives.
You may feel rejected and unloved.
But, your Heavenly Father LOVES you unconditionally!
“Think how much the Father loves us. He loves us so much that He lets us be called His children, as we truly are”.~ 1 John 3: 1
You are a child of God, a child of the King, and His love is constant, never fluctuating.
“For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him.” ~ Psalm 103:11
When you have a relationship with God, you experience His pure love.
“We love because he first loved us.”~ 1 John 4:19
God is love and He loves you!
You are never alone because you have a divine source of love always by your side.
3. Feeling Useless and Worthless .
Performing your daily personal care tasks and chores while maintaining your home has become overwhelming. You feel inadequate!
Your mental and physical abilities are declining. With the deterioration of your health, you find yourself increasingly reliant on others for help. This makes you anxious about losing your independence!
The world and society as you know it, have changed a great deal since you were young. Old traditions have taken a toss. You watch helplessly.
However, remember that God’s grace is always sufficient for you .
“My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12: 9
When you encounter a season of helplessness during life’s challenges, know that God has not left you nor forsaken you. He is walking with you every step of the way.
“God takes the side of the helpless; when I was at the end of my rope, he saved me. I said to myself, “Relax and rest. God has showered you with blessings. Soul, you’ve been rescued from death; Eye, you’ve been rescued from tears; And you, Foot, were kept from stumbling.” ~ Psalms 116: 6-8
4. Feeling Scared.
There are so many things that you are apprehensive about now.
You are panicky about the thought of losing close loved ones and being left alone.
You dread the nights as sleep eludes you. You are afraid of falling and being bedridden.
You are concerned about whether you can afford the living expenses and medication. You are afraid of being victimized.
Above all, you are paranoid about losing your independence and having to rely on others.
God will comfort you, remove your fears, and uphold you.
“ Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand “ ~ Isaiah 41:10 .
You can trust that His unwavering presence will always be with you.
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me.” ~ Psalm 23: 4
God will walk with you through these valleys. He will not abandon you.
“ God takes the side of the helpless; when I was at the end of my rope, he saved me. I said to myself, “Relax and rest. God has showered you with blessings. Soul, you’ve been rescued from death; Eye, you’ve been rescued from tears; And you, Foot, were kept from stumbling.” ~ Psalms 116: 6-8
5. Chronic loneliness and depression
You have crossed various stages of life and experienced many life-changing incidents.
You have lost family members and friends.
When you are in the throes of depression, it feels like you are totally and completely alone. Like no one cares, like no one is listening. You feel isolated, cut off, and like God has abandoned you.
The Lord understands your sadness and fatigue.
“The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, and rescues them from all their troubles. The LORD is near the brokenhearted; he saves those crushed in spirit.” ~ Psalm 34: 17-18
The Psalms are such a comfort to those who are struggling with depression.
“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed “~Deuteronomy 31:8
Jesus will sustain you through depression, heartache and trials. Even during your bleakest struggles, He will protect you.
6. Lastly , you feel that your life is over!
WRONG. Till God calls, you have a purpose here in this world!
God had begun a good work in your life that He is going to carry it to completion.
The Bible emphasizes…
“ For I am sure of this very thing, that the one who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”~ Philippians 1:6
God’s process is to make you look more and more like Jesus by transforming your heart, mind, words and actions.
The Blessings of Old Age
To the aged, God entrusts his covenant promises to be passed on to the next generation.
“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.”
“ God gave his Law to Jacob’s descendants, the people of Israel. And he told our ancestors to teach their children,so that each new generation would know his Law and tell it to the next.” Psalm 78: 5-6
One of the greatest works in old age is to proclaim God’s mighty acts and marvels to the next generation.
Fruitful In Old Age
As you journey towards your golden years, you will have accumulated a wealth of valuable experiences and practical knowledge.
The Bible acknowledges…
“Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?” ~ Job 12:12
God wants you to pass on that wisdom and knowledge to the next generation.
“They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green” ~Psalm 92:14
You must glorify God and honour His name!
Are you unable to go out and help? It’s ok! Be a prayer warrior! Many miracles have happened because of prayer warriors on their knees.
Finally
God’s promises are a powerful source of strength in times of weakness, a firm foundation for faith in times of doubt, and a beacon of hope that can lift you out of the deepest darkness.
In conclusion...remember that, even at old age..
You ought to do God’s work.
God answers the prayers of the elderly.
God will still work to transform you.
God will enable you to set new goals and dreams.
God will renew your life and sustain you in your old age.
Praise and thank God that you are one of those called by God into old age, a call which is not given to many!
Yes, you can face tomorrow!
Jesus says:
“Because I live you shall also live” ~John 14:19
Your life is worth living because He lives!
God’s Ultimate Assurance
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” ~Philipians 4:6-7
God’s promises never fail, but then, you have to wholeheartedly believe in Jesus and accept him as the Lord of your life.