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Hope When Old and Gray
The Task-Filled Life Bible Study — Week 2, Day 3
So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come (Psalm 71:18).
One of the greatest privileges of life is when we become grandparents. Even if we don’t inherit natural grandchildren, there are so many other children in our lives that can bring us joy and laughter. As reminders of our younger years, we recall the innocence and carefree attitudes they personally possess. However, we also struggle with the need to share with them how the failures they experience in life today will only lay the groundwork for God’s work and vision for them in the future. Needing to help paint their current world with the colors of God’s grace and mercy, we can open new ideas of why struggles occur and how it will eventually become a beautiful portrait of who they will become. Hopeful that the carefree moments we spend in their presence will encourage them, we pray for the ability to reveal a Savior who abides in them and loves them beyond all measure – in spite of what might be going on in their world. Simple messages sent in texts, birthday cards, and Facetime with them may alter the craziness in their own personal task-filled lives. With grades that make or break their day, expectations of others, or disappointments of goals unfulfilled, our responses often lay groundwork for who they will become and the attitudes developed regarding these circumstances.
We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done (Psalm 78:4).
Turning old and gray need not be a time when we believe life is ending. Rather it can be viewed as a time when God’s work is beginning in a new way. While some may have free time, others may be swallowed up with physical ailments and concerns. Regardless of our activity level or our health, God’s work for our families and for others never ceases. What we choose to do in a given day reflects Christ’s divine love. Our family members watch us. Our sisters and brothers in Christ observe how we cope with the aging process. As the Holy Spirit uses us, so His grace and mercy becomes evident, His glorious deeds shared, and His might and wonders observed. It is a special time to know that God is near and to reveal His grace and mercy to all to whom we are sent. What a privilege and a beautiful way to end our days on this earth!
Prayer: Dear Father, be with me in my aging years. Help me to realize that the time is short to share Your love with my family and friends. Prepare the way and give me the strength to do all You have still called me to do. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
