Maintain Joy in Your Old Age

  

"In old age they will . . . be thriving." - PSALM 92:14.

People around the world react differently to getting old. For example, imagine this scenario: Do you remember when you noticed your first gray hair? You may be tempted to pull it out before anyone saw it. But you realize that pulling out gray hairs was not going to stop more of them from appearing.  This example illustrates how hard many individuals resist getting older. 

Note: Those who are not Christians, have to dye their hair, get plastic surgery and whatever else they think they need, to stay young. Why can't they just old gracefully? It is inevitable because that is what Adam and Eve, our first parents left us.  we all get gray hair, wrinkles, sagging skin, paunches etc. Get over yourself! and your fear of getting old, your body changing.  that is way it supposed to do at our age. You cannot stop it!

However, our heavenly Father has a different view of his servants who are aging. (Proverbs 16:31) He likens them to thriving trees. (Read Psalm 92:12-14) Why is that comparison fitting? Trees that are laden with leaves and fragrant flowers are often many decades old. One of the most striking trees is the Japanese flowering cherry. Some of the most beautiful trees are over a thousand years old. Much like these mature trees, faithful ones who are up in years are beautiful, especially in God's eyes. Jehovah sees the person behind the gray hair. And He appreciates the beautiful qualities of old ones-their endurance and loyalty-as well as their many years of faithful service to Him. 

Next time: Maintain Joy in Your Old Age - Conclusion

From the jw.org publications