INTRODUCTION

Life is a cycle where many of the physical challenges experienced by the youngest of children will once again be experienced should an individual live long enough. As a person ages, many of the things taken for granted in the prime of life begin to deteriorate. Israel’s eyes "were dim for age" (Genesis 48:10Now the eyes of Israel were dim for age, so that he could not see. And he brought them near unto him; and he kissed them, and embraced them.
See All...), Barzillai’s hearing and taste buds were ill affected (2 Samuel 19:34-35 [34] And Barzillai said unto the king, How long have I to live, that I should go up with the king unto Jerusalem? [35] I am this day fourscore years old: and can I discern between good and evil? can thy servant taste what I eat or what I drink? can I hear any more the voice of singing men and singing women? wherefore then should thy servant be yet a burden unto my lord the king?
See All...), and David "gat no heat" (1 Kings 1:1Now king David was old and stricken in years; and they covered him with clothes, but he gat no heat.
See All...). For these reasons, the Bible speaks of aged saints as being "old and well stricken in age" (Genesis 18:11Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women.
See All...). The word stricken indicates that age strikes the physical well-being of the body and its functions. This is the normal process of the body returning to dust (Ecclesiastes 12:7Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.
See All...).

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For smaller children) As our bodies grow older, we may not be able to do everything we once did: drive a car, mow grass, chop down trees, climb steps, clean house, stand and cook, etc. Aging is a result of Adam and Eve's sin (Genesis 2:17But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
  See All...; Genesis 3:19In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
  See All...). Work while you can. In heaven our bodies will be perfect (1 Corinthians 15:51-53 [51] Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, [52] In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. [53] For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
  See All...).
• Why is it important that people of all ages consider the implications of old age? How should this change the way we live each day of our lives?
• What are some things that small children deal with that older individuals may also have to endure? How can this be explained by the cycle of life?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask the Lord to help you use each day to its fullest.
• Thank God for the abilities He has given you today.

HYMN

Just When I Need Him Most

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