INTRODUCTION

Many people suffer from gerascophobia which is the fear of growing old. Perhaps this condition is ultimately the fear of death rather than simply growing old, but other conditions indicative of old age cause people to fret. One of these concerns was expressed by the penman of Psalm 71. On two separate occasions, he requested that the Lord would not forsake him when he was old and grayheaded (Psalm 71:9Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.
See All..., 18). The Lord knew the fears of man and promised, “even to your old age . . . and even to the hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you” (Isaiah 46:4And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.
See All...). The thought of growing old should not bring fear or trepidation to God’s people. In fact, the Bible points to it as a blessing and one of the greatest blessings the Jewish people will experience in the kingdom (Zechariah 8:4Thus saith the LORD of hosts; There shall yet old men and old women dwell in the streets of Jerusalem, and every man with his staff in his hand for very age.
See All...).

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): God makes it plain that He is in charge of our lives (Psalm 37:23The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
  See All...a) and He will always be with us (Hebrews 13:5Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
  See All...). He also makes it plain that we are not to live anxiously or worry. This truth also applies to agonizing over the thought of one day growing old (Matthew 6:34Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
  See All...; Philippians 4:6
  See All..., 19).
• (For everyone): What do you fear about growing older? Are these fears legitimately accurate? How will God’s presence and help allow you to overcome your fears?
• What are some of the blessings of growing older? Why will it be such a blessing to the Jewish people to be able to grow older in the kingdom? Why should it be a blessing to those living today?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask the Lord to help you overcome your fears of growing older.
• Thank God for the blessings you enjoy at each point of your life.

HYMN

GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU

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