Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life. Proverbs 16:31
Aging is inevitable if we continue to walk this earth. I've been thinking about what that means as I, and many of my friends, care for parents. And I, myself, am discovering the ways my earthly body is closer to the end than the beginning. I want to better understand how God views this season in life and how to best approach it.
Our culture values youthfulness over aging. This has not been the norm throughout history. Many societies revered their elders, and still do, treating them with great respect. God sides with them, declaring that old age is a blessing, a gift from Him. Many of the Lord’s faithful, like Abraham and Moses, were promised and rewarded with a long life. This shows that God considers it a blessing to attain old age.
Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess. Deuteronomy 5:33
With an accumulation of years should be an accumulation of wisdom, if we have walked in His ways. And so, the elderly are due a certain honor and deference.
Stand up in the presence of the elderly, and show respect for the aged. Fear your God. I am the Lord. Leviticus 19:32
Aging has its hardships and is characterized by loss – of physical abilities, of long-time friends and loved ones, and eventually of independence. Yet in this season can be a nearness to God born of the long walk with Him, having seen His faithfulness. We reap the perspective of His goodness and the smallness of our own plans and comforts. Salvation becomes clearer, fellowship dearer, and hope our comforting friend.
God calls old age a blessing – and therefore, so do I.
With long life I will satisfy him and show him My salvation. Psalm 91:16
