No Longer Young, Why Panic?

Growing older is a process everyone must go through. As a teenager, every birthday I always counted my age and wondered, why was I still in my teens? When would I turn twenty, and what would it feel like when that time came? Once I entered my twenties, I became curious again about my thirties.

However, entering my thirties, that enthusiasm gradually faded. I often heard stories of life's struggles and complaints about illness experienced by my older siblings and in-laws who were already in their forties. As a listener, I thought the phrase life begins at forty seemed to have been created only to make people at that age feel better. 

However, I am grateful, that when I entered my forties, I was able to see it in a different way. If you are beginning to enter this age, or wondering how to live through this phase, here are things you need to know:

Growing Older: A Natural Process We Must Go Through

I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken, or their children begging for bread. – Psalm 37:25 

Unlike the song title “Forever Young” that was popular in the 80s, in reality, no one will stay young forever. This change is unavoidable and inescapable, not only physically, but also emotionally and environmentally. What changes?

• White hair or gray hair

You have to dye your hair regularly to cover the gray.

• Wrinkles 

When you look in the mirror, your skin appears drier, and there are more wrinkles on your face.

• Declining organ function

Symptoms of illness, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, heart disease, cholesterol, and gout begin to concern you. Disorders in the body's organs caused by habits of drinking alcohol or smoking in youth also begin to appear. Your eyesight may worsen.

• Physical fitness declines

You get tired easily and are not as energetic as before. 

Whatever you face when you are no longer young, you must be steadfast and brave enough to accept it, because this is a phase of life that humanity will experience. 

And, as people who believe in God and have faith in Him, how should we respond to this change?

The Lord Jesus Remains the Same—Yesterday, Today, and Forever!

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. – Hebrews 13:8 

Even though your physical condition changes, your appearance changes, and your strength is no longer the same, Jesus never changes! The world changes all the time, the people around us also change, but praise God, God promises He will remain the same forever!

God is not troubled by your physical appearance, and He always loves you no matter what you look like!

Our Times Are in His Hands

My times are in Your hands ... – Psalm 31:15a

Always remember that our times are in His power. If so, make the best use of the time you have right now to trust and depend on God more than ever before. 

Your forties are the time when you must have security in God, more than security that you get from any other place or season. When we are young, we may care about our appearance and what other people see in us. We are busy seeking recognition, identity, success, and popularity. At this age, it is time for you to find satisfaction in God, not based on achievements measured by material things. 

Enjoy Every Stage of Your Life

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she laughs at the days to come. – Proverbs 31:25 

In my thirties, there were times when I was afraid to imagine myself growing old, wrinkled, and experiencing a decline in physical condition. Yet, in our forties and beyond, my sisters and I in ministry often laugh at one another because we frequently forget and misspeak names or terms. Without embarrassment, we admit that we are beginning to grow old. 

The picture of the woman in Proverbs 31 helps us be more relaxed and wise in responding to the transition of age. This woman was certainly no longer young. Besides having a husband and children, she also had to work hard day and night. Even so, this woman was able to laugh at the days to come.

Besides that, God also gives assurance to believers:

And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. – 1 John 2:17 

Gray hair is a beautiful crown; it is found in the way of righteousness. – Proverbs 16:31 

So, growing older is not a disgrace that should make you panic. Aging is something good and positive. Advancing in age brings you closer to God, wiser, more experienced, and more able to enjoy life. This is because you are no longer focused on seeking satisfaction from material things. Above all that, you have eternity in your heart (Ecclesiastes 3:11). 

Welcome your fourth decade with great joy!

Even to your old age I am He, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made you, and I will bear you; I will carry you and will save you. – Isaiah 46:4

 

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