"The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, if it is found in the way of righteousness." - Proverbs 16:31
So many of us agree that time flies so fast, we don't even notice the days that pass us by. Some of us are excited with each new coming day, but some are not. In fact, we can dread it. Why?
It's this thing called ageing.
A blessing
I'm pretty sure that Christians struggling to accept the ageing process hate to hear that "it's a normal part of life." This is because ageing or getting old really isn't pleasant at all. Imagine these:
- Physical beauty fades
- Hair grows white or you lose it altogether (the latter more prevalent among men)
- The body starts feeling more pain, especially at that joints and the back
- For some, their muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness isn't what it used to be
- Memory problems start to appear
- They can find it harder to relate to the world they're living in
These things and others can make some people dread ageing - and even so many believers can experience it.
But did you know that reaching a ripe old age is actually a blessing? It's not a curse to live long on earth. It's actually something that so many people, especially young ones, hope to achieve.
That said, I am writing this article to encourage my dear older brothers and sisters. You were once my age and I hope to encourage you and help you enjoy the blessing that is a long life.
Here are a few pieces of advice for you to do just that.
1) Recognize that not everyone lives as long as you do
Friends, if you live long, then you're blessed. You experienced more, learned more, lived more. Think about that. Think about all the ways God shaped and changed you and all the second chances He gave you. Psalm 91:14-16 says,
"Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; will set him on high, because he has known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation."
2) You receive more opportunities to experience and share God's love
While it's true that we get older with each day that passes, it's also true that God's mercies are made available for us with each passing day. I'm sure that if we only look to the Lord always, we will enjoy His goodness. Lamentations 3:22-23 tells us that:
"Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness."
3) It simply means God is not done with you yet
Friend, the fact that you're still alive today simply means that God is not done with you yet. He's not done changing you, fixing your life, blessing you, and using you for His glory. He's not done conforming you to the image of Jesus Christ.
No matter how hard life is or how lonely you may feel as you grow older, the fact and truth is that He's not done with you just yet. You're still alive, and that means He's still doing something good to you and for you. Philippians 1:6 tells us that,
"...He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ."
Hold on and enjoy the ride.
