God's Solutions for Today's Problems #22

Our passage from the Word of God today is Psalms 71:9. It reads, “Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.”

Our quote for today is from Soren Kierkegaard. He said, “Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards.”

Our problem today is "The Problem of Aging in Your Life" (part 5) from the book, "The Guide to Biblical Counseling" by Dr. Tim Clinton and Dr. Ron Hawkins.

Today, we will offer some Biblical Insights on Aging:

Persons reaching age 65 have an average life expectancy of an additional 18.2 years (19.5 years for females and 16.6 years for males).

Half of older women age 75+ live alone.

Leviticus 19:32 says, "Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the Lord."

God's law include prohibitions against disrespecting the elderly. The "gray headed" and the "old man" are to be treated with honor and respect. The Bible commands respect for one's elders, who have much to teach from their vast experience.

Deuteronomy 34:7 says, "And Moses was an hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated."

Our generation tends to emphasize the importance of youth, but God uses servants of all ages. Age does not limit God's ability to work through people. As long as we have breath, we should be serving God.

Joshua 14:10 says, "And now, behold, the Lord hath kept me alive, as he said, these forty and five years, even since the Lord spake this word unto Moses, while the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness: and now, lo, I am this day fourscore and five years old."

The Bible identifies the key to Caleb's lifelong health, vitality, and special favor with God. He "wholly followed the Lord." Caleb is a wonderful model for the proposition that a faithful life---one that perseveres through every trial and hardship---is rewarded with blessings in old age.

Psalm 39:4-5 says, "Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is: that I may know how frail I am. Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah."

People's lifetimes are but a small measure in the hand of God; it is "as nothing" to Him, like a raindrop in the ocean. One of the great challenges of aging is to understand that, while time is passing, God is working through us to make a difference in the world. No matter what our age, we must use our time wisely, fully, actively, and selflessly, giving thanks for each new day and seeking how God would have us serve Him.

Psalm 71:9 says, "Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth."

Older people often feel that because they lack their youthful vigor, they cannot effectively serve God. God says, however, that His people "shall still bear fruit in old age." Older believers have a lifetime of wisdom and experience that is valuable to younger people. Believers can and should continue to grow spiritually even in their twilight time. They can continue to make a difference for God, helping build His kingdom. Young people must not dismiss older people; instead, they should look to their elders for the godly wisdom they have gained from years of knowing Christ.

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