aging and spirituality

Aging and Fear: A Word of Encouragement

As we look for ways to minister to the body, mind and soul of older adults, I came across a devotion in the book, Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence by Sarah Young, that I thought was helpful. It speaks to some of the fears and needs of people as they age and it is written as if God is talking directly to the person. Read more

The Blessings That Come With Age

Aging gets a bad rap in our society. We joke a lot about the negative aspects of aging…hearing loss, hair growth, wrinkles, etc., but I believe there actually are some wonderful things about aging. In fact, I’ve had older adults tell me that this season of their life is the best. Scripture also suggests that the later years can be a positive time of life. Read more

Accept Aging or Fight It?

Last week, I was asked this question, “When does reluctance to accept growing old become dangerous to one’s spiritual health?”  Here was my response:

In our culture, we are bombarded on a daily basis with the message that younger is better and we must do everything we can to maintain our youth.  Whether it be make-up, hair color or clothes, many go to great lengths to ‘stay young’ and in the process they neglect to see that growing old has always been a part of God’s plan.  Once sin entered this world, we became mortal beings and our physical bodies would eventually wear out.  The process of aging is simply God’s way of moving us from birth to death and then to eternity.  We should not avoid or fear aging but should view it the way Scripture describes it, as a blessed time of life. (Genesis 15:15; Proverbs 20:29).

Another point to consider in regards to aging and our spiritual health, is that God desires for us to be totally dependent on Him.  He wants us to be desperate for Him, to need Him above anything else.  And yet, in our society we tend to be very self-sufficient.

In my book, Baby Boomers and Beyond, I write:  “The losses and challenges associated with aging can persuade older adults to throw themselves on God.  Even though people fight it, aging cannot be reversed.  Physical health does decline, aging parents need care, and loved ones do die.  In these circumstances, when people have nowhere else to turn, we can point them to a deeper dependence on God, and in turn they will find peace and intimacy with Him.”  (p.161). “My soul finds rest in God alone…” (Psalm 62:1)

Please chime in with your answer to this question:

“When does reluctance to accept growing old become dangerous to one’s spiritual health?”