In Psalms, chapter seventy-one, verse nine, when strength is failing and the troubles aging more evident, we should recall God’s guidance in days gone by and look to Him as our protector, helper, and sustainer for the upcoming days of life. And at the hour of death when physical strength fails, we should know that He will not forsake us but will be near, as in verses twelve and eighteen, as He brings us by the holy angels into His heavenly presence, as in Luke sixteen, verse twenty-two.
The theme verse, “Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth,” is a psalm about people getting old. However, how we live before God and what we say about ourselves when aging will depend on our approach. Taking good care of ourselves while aging is our responsibility, but we must have the desire to do it and to be better as we get older. There are facilities, programs, and activities for seniors who are eager and waiting to start. The decision is up to us, or do we sit back, frustrating ourselves, making excuses, and drown our sorrows, reminiscing about the good old days?
It is a little different for elderly believers, especially if we have family, relatives, and friends who are not yet in a relationship with Jesus Christ. God depends on us to handle situations like these among other unbelievers in the way He expects us to according to His Word by setting an example for the younger generation. Our senior attitude and conversation should always be positive. Everyone will have issues, whether physical, mental, or emotional. However, what we say and conduct ourselves will go a long way for them.
No matter how things may be for us as seniors, God is able, but we need to be able to do this for others. “God loveth a cheerful giver,” as in the latter part of Second Corinthians nine, verse seven. The first part of Proverbs fifteen, verse thirteen, “A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance.” We, as seniors, will need this approach for the juniors because they are always watching. Our actions will speak louder than our words.