Journey to sunset years
The roller coaster ride from childhood to old age is arduous. It requires resilience and adaptability.
Each stage in life, from childhood through adolescence, into adulthood and finally old age, has it’s own unique challenges and joys that shape who we become.
The Anguish of becoming a Senior
But old age hits you really hard! Of course, old age is inevitable but it seems to have sneaked upon you in a trice! You realize that it is the last season of your life.
You panic. You get alarmed. You are horrified. Where have all the years gone? You figure out that the sun will set on your horizon soon and that you have more years behind you than before you now!
The mirror is not kind, and you find a wrinkled and greying person staring back at you. Your joints protest at each movement of yours. Your confidence gets wobbly and insecurity sets in.
Your daily living activities and independence get limited and you start feeling helpless and frustrated.
The fear of cognitive decline such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease starts haunting you.
Coping
How do you deal with it?
Fortunately, the Christian faith offers a unique perspective on ageing, emphasizing the importance of faith, prayer, community, and service.
By believing in a loving and compassionate God, and having a relationship with Him through prayer, meditation, and reading scripture, you can find solace, comfort, and strength.
It teaches you to view old age as a natural part of the life cycle ordained by God. The Christian virtues of patience, humility, and resilience help you to face old age with grace and dignity, and find comfort in the promise of ETERNAL LIFE.
Turn to God’s many promises. 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?
You SHOULD put Jesus FIRST in your life !
You need to BELIEVE 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
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 their own families. 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
“We love because he first loved us.”~ 1 John 4:19
God is love and He loves you!
3. Feeling Useless and Worthless .
Your mental and physical abilities are declining. With the deterioration of your health, you have to rely on others. 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, know that God has not 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 worry about the living expenses and the cost of medications.
Above all, you are paranoid about losing your independence.
God will comfort you, remove your fears, and uphold you.
He says:
“ 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 the 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 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.
Being Fruitful In Old Age
As you journey towards your golden years, you would have accumulated a wealth of valuable experiences and practical knowledge.
“Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?” ~ Job 12:12
“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
In addition to personal faith practices…
1. You should be part of a supportive community of fellow believers. It will give you a sense of belonging and create opportunities for service and volunteering, all of which will contribute to a feeling of purpose and fulfilment.
2. Adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate rest. Also, engage in activities like puzzles and games that stimulate the mind.
3. Have regular medical check-ups and adhere to prescribed treatments to prevent further decline in health.
In conclusion...remember that, even at old age..
- You ought to do God’s work.
- God answers the prayers of the elderly.
- God will 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!
“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
Learn about God’s love.. https://silverliningonclouds.com/12-christmas-bible-verses-manifesting-gods-love/
Your family is important to God…https://silverliningonclouds.com/why-your-family-is-important-to-god/
A message to the youth of today…https://silverliningonclouds.com/the-youth-of-today/