I doubly feel the swiftness of passing years in January. The month not only marks a new calendar year; it’s my birthday month. A couple of years ago I listed 15 Bible verses on aging that seemed to resonate with people. Today let’s address some fears and challenges that threaten to keep us from aging gracefully.

God blessed me with good health growing up. I took my mobility and strength for granted. When my knees began to talk back after playing tennis or twirling on the dance floor, I couldn’t believe it. As years passed, endurance waned. Some days I feel like an old phone battery that needs recharging after use.

Whoever said age is just a number must have been on drugs—or still young! Of course, God blesses some people with extraordinary genes that never seem to slow down.

I’m learning not to compare my present self with my younger self. That is unrealistic and demotivating. A friend in his eighth decade often says, “Every day is a gift.” He’s right. I’m learning to appreciate where God has me. I don’t pack my schedule anymore, but instead of bemoaning this change, I’ve come to enjoy it.

God’s Presence

Every stage of life brings its own concerns. God knows our fears and weaknesses. The following Bible verses relate to aging gracefully and remind us of God’s unchanging faithfulness through every stage of life.

• “He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age” (Ruth 4:15 NIV).

• “I will be your God throughout your lifetime—
  until your hair is white with age.
  I made you, and I will care for you.
  I will carry you along and save you” (Isaiah 46:4 NLT).

• “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31 NIV).

• “For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never abandon you’” (Hebrews 13:5 NLT).

• “Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16 NASB 1995).

Our Purpose

We want our lives to bless others—to be givers, not takers—to the end of our days. The Bible reminds us that some wisdom can only be gained through experience. Have you ever wished you’d known when you were young what you know now? When I was young I valued the wisdom of those who were ahead of me.

How we conduct ourselves sets an example for our younger friends and can point them to God. 

• “Wisdom belongs to the aged, and understanding to the old” (Job 12:12 NLT).

• “Those who are older should speak, for wisdom comes with age” (Job 32:7 NLT).

Perhaps the best gift of aging is being able to appreciate the everyday gifts from God. We may not be as physically strong, but hopefully, we’re spiritually stronger. What scripture has meant a lot to you in your stage of life? Please share it in the comments.

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12 NIV).

Paula chose two winners from last week’s comments. Congratulations, Sharon Nelson and Wendy Picciano! You won a copy of Experience the Freedom You Already Have in Christ. 

Blessings,

Sometimes I link with these great sites:

#MondayLinkUp #InstaEncouragements, #TellHisStory, #Let’sHaveCoffee, #Grace&Truth