The Aging Process: Aging Brings Understanding
Wednesday, January 5, 2022
Today's Scripture
"Wisdom belongs to the aged and understanding to those who have lived many years."
Job 12:12 NLT
Thoughts for Today
The most important abilities we have as Christians are not touched by the normal aging process. When we lose the abilities enjoyed by youth, there is no need for despair. Age can bring us into our most profound spiritual period of life.
Simeon and Anna are good examples of older people with spiritual discernment. In Luke 2 we read about their encounter with the baby Jesus. Both immediately recognized Jesus as their long-awaited Messiah.
God had assured Simeon that he would live to see the Messiah. Simeon did not despair in his elder years, but remained righteous and devout, waiting for God's promise as he continued to serve. When we enter this late season of our lives, we too can use the time to focus on the Lord, using these years to serve him and grow closer to him.
Anna, an elderly widow, was free from many distractions that would occupy the minds of younger women. She had no earthly companion or attachments to distract her from total concentration on knowing and serving God.
Consider this . . .
We each need to determine that during our elder years, we will focus more and more on our Lord and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us in serving him. If we have aging parents, we should honor them and their experience, recognizing that "wisdom belongs to the aged." We need to encourage them to use their experience and the wisdom they have developed to teach us and others.
Prayer
Father, as I age, help me to focus on what I can do for you, not those things I can no longer do. Help my parents recognize that "wisdom belongs to the aged" and encourage them to let the Holy Spirit guide them and show them ways they can still serve you. In Jesus' name . . .
These thoughts were drawn from . . . Caregiving: Caring for Aging Parents by Charles Puchta. The purpose of this curriculum is to provide hope and direction to those concerned about the health and well-being of aging parents or an ill spouse or relative. We address predominate issues most families face. Each session is designed to discuss a specific area of concern such as the purpose of a caregiver or end-of-life planning. It will become clear to participants that the Bible provides encouragement and direction to help them through this caregiving journey. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a study for individuals or couples.
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