Nov 18 – OLD AGE !

“Even to your old age, I am He, and even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you. (Isaiah 46:4)

The world may think of old age as an unpleasant season of life. Many in their old age may also dread whether they will become a burden for their children, or what will happen if they get sick with a disease. But for the children of God, old age is not a season of weakness but of strength. It is not a season of curse but of blessing!

Look at some of the worldly leaders. In Tamilnadu, Rajaji as a politician, and EVR otherwise known as ‘Periyaar’, as the defender of social justice, were both active in their political lives, took up causes for which they stood and met up with people on a daily basis, even when they were in their nineties.

They never wanted to retire or idle away their time, until the very end. And age was never a barrier for them. In fact, the wisdom gained through their old age, only helped them to progress in their political career.

Those in their old age have a precious treasure – which is their experience! The experience of the righteous – how pleasant and wonderful is that! In the Scripture we read, among others, about the undiminished vigour and strength of three persons: Moses, Caleb and Anna.

About Moses the Scripture says: “Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died. His eyes were not dim nor his natural vigour diminished” (Deuteronomy 34:7).

Caleb said: “And now, behold, the Lord has kept me alive, as He said, these forty-five years, ever since the Lord spoke this word to Moses while Israel wandered in the wilderness; and now, here I am this day, eighty-five years old.  As yet I am as strong this day as on the day that Moses sent me; just as my strength was then, so now is my strength for war, both for going out and for coming in” (Joshua 14:10,11).

And about Anna, we read in the Scripture: “and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day” (Luke 2:37).

Dear children of God, never worry in your heart that you are getting old. We read in the Scripture that “your youth is renewed like the eagle’s? (Psalm 103:5). It also encourages us by saying that: “those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31).

Verse for further meditation: “Now also when I am old and gray-headed, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to everyone who is to come” (Psalm 71:18).