A Goody From Woody

Statistics tell us a lot about our times. Currently two million Americans live in nursing homes. Fifty million Americans alive now are expected to spend their last days in a nursing home.

The population of Americans over sixty-five will grow from thirty-four million to fifty three million by 2020, according to the Census Bureau forecasts. The over-eighty-five-year-old population will nearly double to seven million by 2020.

When you think of “age” do you think Biblically? Listen to a few words from Scripture:

“You shall rise up before the grayheaded and honor the aged, and you shall revere your God; I am the LORD.” Lev. 19:32

“Wisdom is with aged men, with long life is understanding.” Job 12:12

“King Rehoboam consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon while he was still alive, saying, ‘How do you counsel me to answer this people?’” 1 Kings 12:6

“O God, You have taught me from my youth, and I still declare Your wondrous deeds.
And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to all who are to come.” Psalm 71:17-18
All our times are in God’s hands! God’s gift of time and age is unknown to all of us. That is why we are to redeem time—use it for God’s glory and other’s benefit. Paul said it this way, “Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16
Do you remember the famous line by the comedian Groucho Marx? He said, “Age is not a particularly interesting subject. Anyone can get old. All you have to do is live long enough.”
Age is a touchy subject for people—even Christians. We try to hide it, camouflage it, deny it, and lie about it. Why? Are we not at peace with this gift from God—age?
My prayer for you today—no matter your age, is this: “God, teach us to number our days, that we may present to you a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 96:12
God Bless your time!
Woody