Aging Stinks, Ya'll
Hi New Hope Family,
“Therefore; we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” Corinthians 4:16
Simply put, aging stinks. There, I said it. Cells no longer replenish like they used to. Our immune system weakens. We lose about 1% of collagen every year after 20. (Hello wrinkles!) Add to that the craziness of life filled with stress and riotous living, and an environment that smacks us in the face with ultraviolet rays and other issues.
It’s no wonder humans have a 100% mortality rate.
Now don’t me wrong: I love life. But aging? Not so much. So, when I went home to Arkansas recently and saw my family and friends aging, I was a little vexed. When I saw nieces whom I remember bathing as babies in the kitchen sink a few months ago (in my mind) now having children in high school, it kind of freaked me out. It made me feel old and a little irrelevant. With a world careening toward chaos and my own cells in rebellion, how can I still make a difference – how can I help?
Prayer Time!
Then I remembered a prayer and a promise from God. First, the PRAYER.
“Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.”
~ Psalms 71:17-18
You have taught me for years Lord and I will tell others. DO NOT FORSAKE ME. Be near to me! Strengthen me! With your life in me, I WILL tell the next generation of your goodness!
And THE PROMISE!
“But the godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon. For they are transplanted to the Lord’s own house. They flourish in the courts of our God. Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green.”
Psalms 92:12-14
God transplanted us into His House (the Church). We will continue to grow strong in the wisdom, love and life that matters if we abide (stay close) with Him (see John 15:5).
We flourish in the courts (community of believers) of our God. Therefore, even in old age we will produce, we will remain LIFEGIVING to a hurting and dying world — vital and green.
Thank you, Lord!
~Pastor Chuck