Living well into years is indeed a blessing from the Lord that many don't take seriously. Do you know anyone who considers old age a gift? I can't say that I've ever thought of it that way, but now I think I'm going to change the way I look at aging for sure!
Scripture tells us that when people live to be very old, we are to let them rejoice in every day of life. A lesson we all need to learn and live.
People who have been blessed with long life have received favor from God. Their added years are a reward if found righteous or a "crowning glory" (not just graying locks!) reward. (see Proverbs 16:31)
The Bible also tells us that if we worship and serve the Lord, we can expect His promises to be manifested in our life.
"You must serve only the LORD (Jehovah) your God, If you do, I (God) will protect you from illness. There will be no miscarriages or infertility in your land and I will give you long, full lives." (Exodus 23:25-26 NLT)
When Moses was leading the Israelites out of Eqypt, while in the desert he spoke about the protection and promises of God for those who abide in His presence. Although an author has not be identified in writing, it is believed that Moses penned Psalm 91 and King David included it in his journals/books of the Psalms.
It makes sense that this psalm of prayer be recited as it is packed with the goodness of God on those who love Him, including the promise for length of days. It is considered a wisdom psalm and one of, if not, the most powerful prayer recorded in the Holy Bible! These promises we speak out loud daily over our family based on God's faithfulness to His own words!
Take a look at why I value this passage so dearly. The last verse of the chapter reads like this:
"When they call on Me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them My salvation (through Jesus Christ)." (Psalm 91:15-16 NLT)
Who doesn't want help when in trouble or need rescuing at some point? Don't we all long to be honored or rewarded for a job well done? Isn't the desire to live something we plead to God for in times of doubt of the future?
Getting up in years doesn't have to be sad, boring or full of sickness! I know that doesn't sound convincing coming from me, especially if you've been a DFB follower and reading about all the things hubby has experienced over the years. The wonderful fact is that he has stayed in faith and God keeps healing him, because daily he proclaims what the Lord has already promised.
If you are a child of God, His promises are always available and attainable for all who will believe. I know this teaching is mainly about understanding the gift of those who have lived many years, but it's also for anyone no matter what their age.
God has given all life as a gift and He wants us to enjoy it in spite of difficulities or circumstances that may come our way. Look at what Jesus said in John 10:10 to His followers; it's one of my favorite passages I cling to when the deceiver satan tries to steal my joy.
"The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy (it's his main purpose). I came that they (believers in Him) may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)."
He doesn't want us to ignore situations, but trust completely in Him and His promises. We do this by having full confidence that what God says He will do, He WILL do! In doing that we can truly find pleasure and joy in living no matter how many years we have behind or ahead of us.
"If a person lives many years, let them rejoice in all of them by being grateful and finding pleasure, while enjoying every day no matter how long they live." (from Ecclesiastes 11:8 emphasis mine)
In understanding that no matter how long you have been on Earth it is a gift of life, how are you going to help a "grandparent" or senior citizen rejoice and take pleasure in being blessed with years? Let me know in the comments. I'd love to read about how you helped restore someone's joy in living!
Happy Grandparent's Day from your friends at Daily Favor!
*For those who trust in Jesus Christ, God gives the promise of life here but also the gift of eternal life as an inheritance of being His child. If you would like to have this gift also, click here to learn more.
Until next time, may God favor you with long life!
Note: The words satan or devil are not capitalized deliberately, because we give him no place in our lives.
Disclaimer: Article information is not meant to be used as treatment for mental or physical issues, but geared toward spiritual awareness.
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