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
Anti-aging seems to be the hot topic of the day. Sales of life extending products have skyrocketed in the US generating billions of dollars of revenue each year. Even though products fly off the shelves, medical experts remain unconvinced. Claims regarding the efficacy of these products have been roundly criticized and the use of such products has not proven to affect the aging process.
Then there is that pesky verse regarding aging in Ecclesiastes 12:1 which very soberly adds, Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, “I have no pleasure in them.” Verse 2 of that chapter goes on to remind us that death is inevitable no matter what we do because the clouds will keep returning after the rain, and returning, and returning…
What are believers to do with this issue? How are we to handle aging? Is it to be avoided at all costs?
As we age we no longer bask in our own might or power, but we transfer greater trust to God who has the might and power to act and carry out His will. Our greater trust will be noticed by those around us and we will have opportunities to proclaim the greatness of our God and what we have come to understand about Him.
What does finishing strong look like? I know a woman who has composed a legacy letter to be sent to individuals after her death. The purpose of the legacy letter is to share her relationship with God and the way He has worked in her life. Even after her death she will still be proclaiming the faithfulness of God!