7 Ways Aging Leads Us to Rely More on God
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“Moses was 120 years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone” (Deuteronomy 34:7).
We know from Scripture that Moses was a humble man who clearly knew he needed God to accomplish anything. So, he leaned into that truth and became a man of bold prayers. Even in his old age, Moses was experiencing a rich and meaningful chapter in his life while serving his Lord. God invites us to do the same.
What if instead of trying to avoid growing older, we looked on this time as a new season? This viewpoint can be quite challenging as we go through the changes and shifts of aging. But it’s those very real issues that can actually bring us closer to God – to reach for more of Him, and to more fully rest in His care.
God Can Still Use You as You Age
God called Moses at 80 years of age to lead the Israelite exodus out of Egypt toward the Promised Land. By leaning on God, he ended up helping to shape a nation.
But the life of Moses isn’t the only Scripture account that teaches us how we can rely on God and be used by Him, no matter our age. This list of people can inspire us because each of them sought God’s grace to continue serving His Kingdom.
Sarah
God granted her the ability to have a baby at 90 years old as part of His promise to Abraham. Though she first laughed at the idea, Sarah went on to praise The Lord (Genesis 17-21).
Joshua
God anointed him to bring the Israelites into the Promised Land when he was about 80 years old, and to later oversee the creation of their 12 tribes. He depended on God’s promise to be with him, which we read about in the book of Joshua.
Samuel
God led him to be a prophet and advisor to both King Saul and later, King David. From a young boy to old age, Samuel’s faith and wisdom only grew stronger (See 1 Samuel 8-12).
Elizabeth & Zechariah
God blessed this couple to be the parents of John the Baptist when they were in their 80s. Devout believers, they trusted in God’s will (Luke 1).
Anna & Simeon
God gave them the great honor of being in the temple praying when baby Jesus came to be baptized. Both worshiped with awe as they recognized the Messiah (Luke 2:25-38).
The Apostle John
God entrusted him while he was in exile at an advanced age to see and record a vision of Jesus. John was confident of God’s protection and concentrated on writing what we know as the book of Revelation.
How Aging Can Lead Us to Rely More on God
It’s true that the Lord granted those people in the Bible special strength and ability to do great things. But He extends that same offer to us in our own world. To receive it, we must decide that aging is an opportunity to move into a closer relationship with our Heavenly Father.
How can we turn our hearts in that direction? Consider these ways that the advancing years encourage us to want more of God:
1. Aging Forces Us to Acknowledge Our Limits
The signs of growing older are usually clear. And when sickness or other health issues keep us from being as active as before, sadness or frustration might hit. But even if our earthly bodies are showing wear, God is able to keep our spiritual lives vibrant. Scripture says that God is always doing new things, and that includes us.
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day” (2 Cor. 4:16).
2. Aging Gives Us New Experiences of His Comfort and Care
As we mature, we’ll go through seasons of change. We’ll deal with more loss, both of our independence and of those we love. And we start to realize how little control we really have. But God takes that truth and turns it into an opportunity to learn more about His faithfulness. He will keep us stable when things are shifting.
“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you” (Isaiah 46:4).
3. Aging Brings to Mind How God Has Been with Us in the Past
The older we grow, the more we see how God has guided us through past years. With age often comes a greater sense of gratitude for all the blessings of provision and guidance in the past. Being more mindful of those will encourage us to keep reaching for His touch. He will always respond.
“I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken” (Psalm 37:25).
4. Aging Reminds Us of the Knowledge We’ve Gained
When our pace slows down, we find more space for meditating on God’s character. If we let go of always being on the move, we’ll experience more of His presence. Our own Bible study and teachings we’ve heard become even more relevant to us.
“Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?” (Job 12:12).
5. Aging Clarifies What Truly Matters
As time goes on, we often come to the awareness that what we own, what we accomplish, or how we look doesn’t last – but God is eternal. Accepting this truth can bring a sense of new purpose. Things like godly relationships, service, and legacy become priorities for us. And our Heavenly Father will give us all we need to go forward like that.
“Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone.…Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come” (Psalm 71:9, 17-18).
6. Aging Leads Us to Worship More Deeply
An interesting thing happens to many people as they grow older – they worry less about what others think. The need to impress eases. Having that attitude encourages us to be more open and honest. Our prayers and testimonies reflect a growing humility and devotion to God. And He delights in our praise.
“I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams…” (Joel 2:28).
7. Aging Prepares Us for Eternity
The older we grow, the closer Heaven can seem. Focusing on the amazing future we have with Christ can shape the way we live in our later years. Perhaps we shift our perspective; instead of wishing we were younger, we long to finish the work that God has for us, and to do it well. God promises to walk with us all the way.
“The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, ‘The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him’” (Psalm 92:12-15).
A Prayer to Rely on God More as You Age
Heavenly Father,
I thank You for creating me and giving me life. I know that my days are numbered by You, and I’ve been blessed to arrive at this season of my life. It can be easy to focus on the worries or burdens of growing older. But please help me to claim the positive aspects of this time – namely, that I can find a deeper and more intimate relationship with You, built on the experiences and learning I’ve had. And let me rejoice in the warmth of Your care and provision, for You know just what I need to flourish now.
I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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