In a society obsessed with youthfulness, ageing is a process many would want to avoid if only possible. And why not? It changes a person’s look — something most people care about. It also is very much related to loneliness and isolation.
As present-day followers of Jesus, we are encouraged to age gracefully because we have a Savior who promises to take care of us until the end of time. A Savior who will remain faithful to us, until we are old and grey.
“Even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.” Isaiah 46:4
When an ageing person tries to control the way she looks, how she would sustain herself in her senior years, and how her life will pan out, she will not be the “seasoned citizen” she is called to be. Instead of training the next generation to honor God in every decision and action they take, this person becomes a bad example for obsessing over youthful looks, financial security, and companionship.
While these three things are not totally bad to aim for, putting all of one’s energy over these things takes away precious time in pursuing what really matters: nurturing an intimate relationship with Jesus, leading others to Him, and mentoring younger believers on how to live a life of worship.
“I thought age should speak, And increased years should teach wisdom.” Job 32:7
There are several women mentioned in the Bible, who aged gracefully as they accomplished God’s call in their lives. A good example is Naomi, a widow who lost her husband and sons in a foreign land. As they travelled back to her country, she shared her faith to her daughter in law, and fellow widow, Ruth, and provided constant guidance to her. Ruth later became the grandmother of the Great King David, the ancestor of our Messiah, Jesus Christ.
“The women said to Naomi: “Praise be to the Lord,who this day has not left you without a guardian-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel! He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth.” Then Naomi took the child in her arms and cared for him” Naomi 4:14-16
When we are secured in God’s loving presence in our lives, we can age gracefully. When we know that our true source of security, love, and peace is Jesus, we can live the last leg of our earthly journey with grace. When we know that God is sovereign and He orchestrates everything that happens in our lives for our own good, we can live in peace. Moreover, we can answer to His calling of being good examples to the next generation in terms of worthwhile pursuits.
“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 urge 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.” Titus 2:3-5
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Titus 2:2-5 and Psalm 71:5-9 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Are you fearful of old age? How does knowing that God promises to take care of us change your views about ageing?
Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, thank you for assuring me that you will love and take care of me until the end of time. Give me the confidence to continue seeking you for comfort, love and security as I live out my senior years. Amen.
