Being Joyful in All Stages of Life

I keep hearing people near my age saying, "Whoever called these the golden years surely did not know what they were talking about."  Well, as in all seasons of life, there are things that we perceive to be good and those that we perceive as bad.  But Romans 8:28 tells us, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose".  So, that truth tells me that all the things that God allows into my life are for my good.  Yes, some things are harder.  I don't have the energy I used to.  I can no longer get by with a few hours of sleep.  I have aches and pains.  These things have done wonders for my pride, meaning it raises its ugly head less and less.  I have had to accept that I am not the strong, super-independent woman I used to be, and that is a good thing.  The best part is that, because I am physically dependent upon others for some things, I am reminded that I must rely on my Savior for all the important things.  I cannot save myself, no matter what I do.  I cannot do his work without His wisdom and guidance.  There is an old hymn that says, "Jesus paid it all; all to Him I owe...". Truth.  But don't get the idea that I am saying we should sit back and allow friends, family, church and the world to serve us.  What I am saying is what God said, Job 12:12, "Wisdom belongs to the aged and understanding to the old", and 2 Cor. 4:16 "Though outwardly we are wearing out, inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” We should allow the Lord to work through us so that we can do the things that He has prepared for us to do.  

I hope I have not painted a picture that says growing older is really hard.  There are many advantages; one of the main things is a loosening of the grip the world has on us.  Many friends feel as I do and have told me that they no longer care much about material things.  In fact, most of us are getting rid of things.  In addition, we no longer care as much about what others think about us, because, really, it only matters what the Lord thinks of us.  We are letting go of the world, because we know we are only sojourners here and we are comfortable with whether the Lord leaves us here, or even better, calls us to heaven.  I was with a very elderly friend today and she spoke mostly about her wish to go be with Jesus.  She cares nothing for anything here on Earth, save the love she feels for her friends and family.  But she is more than willing to leave this life behind for the arms of Jesus.  

I used to think retirement would be staying at home, reading books, going to movies, leisurely lunching with ladies, relaxing, etc. And I do get to do those things occasionally, but the Lord had a much better plan for me.  I know that some who are technically retired are responsible for grandchildren, aging parents, or are ill and I certainly understand that those things are consuming your time and God bless you for taking care.  But for me, without being in the workplace and without family being in my home on a daily basis, I have more time to do the things that have a higher priority than relaxing, such as; Bible studies, devotions, prayer time, spending more time with my husband, my grandchildren, my aging mother, my friends and doing the good works that the Lord has laid out for me.  I think I am busier now than when I was working.  My friends, whatever the Lord has laid out for us in our later years, we know these truths and we can live in joy.

I’ll close with these words from the Lord:

Psalm 92:14 says, "They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green."

Psalm 90:12 says, "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."

Titus 2: 2-3 says, "Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled and sound in faith, in love and in endurance,  Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.  

Psalm 16:11 says, "You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

Romans 12:12 says, "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

John 16:22 says, "So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.

By God’s Grace,