We live in a society where showing signs of getting older can devastate our self-worth. But you don’t have to be a victim of that value system. ‘As the days of a tree, so will be the days of my people; my chosen ones will long enjoy the work of their hands’ (v. 22 NIV). Someone said, ‘Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter!’ So, if you’re worrying about getting older and how it could affect the way you view yourself, and how others might see you, keep in mind these points: 1) Build a strong relationship with God. Spend time talking with Him and reading His Word. ‘Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying’ (Proverbs 3:1-2 NLT). 2) Come to grips with the reality of ageing. We’ve been ageing from the moment we were conceived. In fact, on the day we’re born we’re already nine months old. Fretting about getting older is like worrying about the sun going down each day. It’s going to happen, whether we want it to or not. But what we can change is how we use each day we’re given to its full potential. Every morning, try starting your day by announcing, ‘This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it’ (see Psalm 118:24). 3) Always have a goal. It doesn’t have to be something big in the eyes of the world, just something to look forward to doing with your skills and your mind. Eleanor Roosevelt said, ‘I could not at any age be content to take my place in a corner by the fireside and simply look on.’ Read, grow, contribute, stay involved, live every day to its full!
