IT HAS BEEN SAID…. TWICE A CHILD” “ONCE A MAN… TWICE A CHILD” Perhaps not in every case, but in a number of cases….this is a true statement. Perhaps you know of what I am speaking of… An aging person sometimes will develop dementia / degree of memory loss and lose their ability to function as they once did and revert back to child-like actions…and then become solely dependent upon others.

THERE IS A PHOBIA OF GROWING OLD…. We are a society who want to keep our youth! We color our hair for a reason We put on make-up for a reason Things are “tucked”; “toxed”; “lifted”; “suctioned out” to look younger…sometimes botched i.e. “deer in headlights”… e.g. Kenny Rogers We can even get an “extreme makeover” and look 10 years younger!!! It is difficult for some to just face the obvious.

THE BIBLE SAYS IT’S A BLESSING TO GROW OLD! But before we look into the Bible, consider with me, what is called the 7 ages of men…

The seven ages of man… 6 weeks--all systems go 6 years--all systems “No!” 16 years--all systems know 26 years--all systems glow 36 years--all systems owe 56 years--all systems status quo 76 years--all systems slow

The seven ages of man…again! Spills Drills Thrills Bills Ills Pills Wills

Consider this… Perhaps it’s the anticipation of what may happen later that sometimes robs us of our inner peace. Some legitimate concerns: Will I have the health to take care of my aging parents? Will I become a burden to my children? Will I spend my last days in a Nursing Home? Serious concerns in a world where folks are living longer.

“How Shall the Old Secure Their Hearts?”

The prayer of an aging man… A Brief Look at Psalm 71

# 1- The concerns he experienced Do not cast me off in the time of old age; Do not forsake me when my strength fails. (Psalm 71:9) And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me…(Psalm 71:18) O God, do not be far from me; O my God, hasten to my help! (Psalm 71:12)

# 2- The confidence he expressed For Thou art my hope; O Lord God, Thou art my confidence from my youth. (Psalm 71:5) O God, Thou hast taught me from my youth; and I still declare Thy wondrous deeds. (Psalm 71:17)

By Thee I have been sustained from my birth…(Psalm 71:6) Thou, who hast shown me many troubles and distresses, wilt revive me again, and wilt bring me up again from the depths of the earth. (Psalm 71:20)

Thou hast given commandment to save me, for Thou art my rock and my fortress. (Psalm 71:3) I will come with the mighty deeds of the Lord God; I will make mention of Thy righteousness, Thine alone. (Psalm 71:16)

# 3- The consequences he expected My lips will shout for joy when I sing praises to Thee; and my soul, which Thou hast redeemed (Psalm 71:23). My mouth shall tell of Thy righteousness, And of Thy salvation all day long; For I do not know the sum of them. (Psalm 71:15)

And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me, Until I declare Thy strength to this generation, Thy power to all who are to come. (Psalm 71:18) I have become a marvel to many; For Thou art my strong refuge. (Psalm 71:7) Mayest Thou increase my greatness, And turn to comfort me. (Psalm 71:21)

How Shall the Old Secure Their Hearts? Keep learning & growing in faith Stay connected to loved ones, friends, and brethren Count your blessings daily and avoid constant complaining I am so encouraged by the good, godly examples of our Senior Saints!

Treat others with kindness rather than with insensitive frankness ( a lot of older folks are brutally honest) Keep serving others…do little things. Caleb…80 years old and still serving God! Paul “the aged” in Philemon 9 Keep your eyes on the prize…Paul did …see 2Tim.4:6-8

REMEMBER Pay day is right around the corner for you! You’ve come so far! Don’t give up now !!! When death comes your way, be ready for it !!! Listen to Psalms 90:10 --- “As for the days of our life, they contain 70 years, or if due to strength, 80 years, yet their pride is but labor and sorrow; For soon it is gone and we fly away.” How many of you are in your 70’s & 80’s ?

AND DON’T FORGET THIS: Ps 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. Re 14:13 ¶ And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. 1st Cor.15:58 – “Therefore my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord so your labor is not in vain in the L This is how the old secures their hearts!