Don’t Forget Us
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 (ESV)
I have gray hair because I am old now and while my mind thinks young thoughts, my body repeatedly tells me that I am not that spring chicken anymore.
In listening to senior conversations, it saddens me to say that most topics center on health issues. Throw in some kids/grandkids, politics, a little retirement sharing, or social security changes and then the fun begins. But recently I’ve heard and seen more frustration and irritation showing up in discussions about health followed shortly by not feeling connected and/or respected.
Senior health is a big deal for us! Let’s get real. We have not personally been down this road but have only witnessed it from afar. After visiting the doctor(s) for various new ailments, we still don’t know what’s wrong with us—or maybe we do. Could it just be that we are wearing out? But we have real aches and pains that are new, not imaginary. (Did you know it’s okay to press your doctor for the truth?)
We need a guide for this stage of life and we have the best one—God’s Word. There are approximately 62 million seniors in the US comprising 18% of the population. Yes, those numbers tell us that we are a minority. It took us years of life experiences to get here. Along the way, God has provided and His mercy and grace have prevailed and yet here we are standing next to a big question mark.
Ponder these verses as you sit in your rocker on the front porch:
Sustaining Grace: Isaiah 46:4 highlights God's promise to carry and sustain individuals into old age.
Wisdom and Honor: Proverbs 16:31 describes gray hair as a "crown of splendor" achieved through a righteous life.
Fruitfulness: Psalm 92:14 suggests that spiritual fruitfulness and vitality can continue in old age.
Inner Renewal: 2 Corinthians 4:16 addresses physical decline by focusing on daily spiritual renewal.
Respect for Elders: Leviticus 19:32 calls for honoring and showing respect to the elderly.
So, we can remove the question marks and just let Him carry us through these final years. That requires trust.
The truth is this: We are growing old. We can either do it gracefully with God’s help or go kicking and screaming—either way, we are still going. It’s our choice!
Loving Lord, thank You for Your words that will guide me home. AMEN.