VALUED BY GOD IN OLD AGE

Though death takes away a beloved mate, Jehovah remains ever faithful, ever sure.  "One thing I have asked from Jehovah ," sang King David of old, "It is what I shall look for, that I may dwell in the house of Jehovah all the days of my life, to behold the pleasantness of Jehovah and to look with appreciation upon his temple." -Psalm 27:4. 

"Honor widows that are actually widows," urges the apostle Paul.  (1 Timothy 5:3) The counsel that follows this instruction indicates that worthy widows without close relatives  may have needed material support from the congregation.. Nevertheless, the sense of the instruction to "honor" includes the idea of valuing them.  what comfort  godly widows and widowers can draw from the knowledge that Jehovah  values them and will sustain them! -James 1:27.

"The splendor of old men is their grayheadedness," God's inspired Word  declares: "It is  "a crown of beauty when it is found in the way of righteousness." (Proverbs 16:31; 20:29) Continue, then, whether married or single once again, to keep Jehovah's service first in your life.  You will thus have a good name with God now and the prospect of eternal life in a world where the pains of old age will be no more. -Psalm 37:3-5; Isaiah 65:20. 

Next time: HONORING OUR ELDERLY PARENTS, CHAPTER FIFTEEN

From the book:  THE SECRET OF FAMILY HAPPINESS, 1996