Serving Jehovah in "the Calamitous Days

"MY HEALTH problems get in the way more and more," sighs Ernst, who is in his 70's.  Does this sound familiar?  If you are getting older and feel that you are losing you health and strength,you may well relate to the description found in Ecclesiastes chapter 12. In verse 1, the days of old age are called "the days of distress," or "the calamitous days."  Even so, you are not doomed to a life of misery. You can still lead a fulfilling life, serving Jehovah joyfully.

MAINTAINING STRONG FAITH

You dear older brothers and sisters are not alone in your trials. Aged servants of Jehovah in Bible times faced similar challenges. For example, Isaac, Jacob, and Ahijah lost their eyesight.  (Genesis 27:1; 48:10; 1 Kings 14:4) Sarah felt "worn out."  (Genesis 18:11, 12) King David "could not get warm." (1 Kings  1:1) Wealthy  Barzillai could no longer enjoy the taste of food or the sounds of music.  (2 Samuel  19:32-35)  Abraham and Naomi each had to cope with the loss of a marriage mate.  -Genesis 23:1, 2; Ruth 1:3, 12. 

What helped each of these to remain loyal to Jehovah and maintain joy?  In his old age, believing in God's promise, Abraham "became powerful by his faith." (Romans 4:19, 20) We too need strong faith.  Such faith  does not depend on our age, abilities, or circumstances.   For example, even when he was weak, blind, and bedridden, the patriarch Jacob showed strong faith in God's promises. (Genesis 48:1-4, 10; Hebrews  11:21) Today, 93-year-old Ines suffers from a muscle weakness, but still she says:  "Every day I feel richly rewarded by Jehovah.  Every day I think about Paradise. That gives me hope.  "What a fine, positive spirit!

We strengthen our faith by praying, examining God's Word, and attending Christian meetings. The ages prophet Daniel regularly prayed three times a day and kept studying God's Word.  (Daniel 6:10; 9:1)  The elderly widow Anna "was never missing from the temple." (Luke 2:36, 37) When you attend meetings whenever possible and participate as much as you can, you refresh no only yourself but all in attendance. And Jehovah always delights in your prayers, even if you are limited in what you can do. -Proverbs 15:8. 

Many of you faithful ones would love to be able to see to read and to be strong enough to attend meetings.  But you find it increasingly difficult, perhaps impossible. What then? Make good use of whatever is available to you. Many who cannot attend meetings enjoy listening in by telephone. Despite failing eyesight, 79-year-old Inge prepares for meetings using computer printouts with extra-large type provided for her by a brother in the congregation. 

It may be that you have something that others would like to have-time. Why not use it to listen to recordings of the Bible and Bible literature, talks, and audio dramas?  Also, you may  want to take the initiative to telephone fellow believers to share a spiritual gift and enjoy "an interchanged of encouragement." -Romans 1:11, 12.

Next time:  Serving Jehovah in "The Calamitous Days - STAYING ACTIVE IN GOD'S SERVICE

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015