Even to Old Age

“Listen to me, O house of Jacob,
    all the remnant of the house of Israel,
who have been borne by me from before your birth,
    carried from the womb;
even to your old age I am he,
    and to gray hairs I will carry you.
I have made, and I will bear;
    I will carry and will save.

“To whom will you liken me and make me equal,
    and compare me, that we may be alike?..

“Remember this and stand firm,
    recall it to mind, you transgressors,
    remember the former things of old;
for I am God, and there is no other;
    I am God, and there is none like me,
declaring the end from the beginning
    and from ancient times things not yet done,
saying, ‘My counsel shall stand,
    and I will accomplish all my purpose…’
I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass;
    I have purposed, and I will do it.” Isaiah 46:3-5,8-10,11b

“Lord, you have been our dwelling place
    in all generations.
Before the mountains were brought forth,
    or ever you had formed the earth and the world,
    from everlasting to everlasting you are God.”

“Praise the Lord!
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
    for his steadfast love endures forever!..

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
    from everlasting to everlasting!
And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’
    Praise the Lord!” Psalm 90:1-2; 106:1,48

God’s people, known from forever past, are conceived, born, grow to His appointed age, and die unto His presence forever. In the mean time of life here on earth, His abiding is constant, unending, vigilant. He carries His own, He cares. God is everlasting and unchanging, and so are His promises. (Job 12:10; 14:5; Psalm 139:16)

“As for man, his days are like grass;
    he flourishes like a flower of the field;
for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
    and its place knows it no more.
But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him,
    and his righteousness to children’s children.” Psalm 103:15-17

His constancy in our finiteness is cause for contemplation, a healthy and helpful practice for godly perspective. While cultural messages and societal pressures promote dissatisfaction or unreasonable expectations, the Lord directs us to gain a heart of wisdom about the days He entrusts to us. Fruit borne in younger years may look different in later years, but He expects honorable stewardship of His gifts and resources through every season. He grants opportunities and guides choices. Am I fruitful, or fretful? Where am I most effective for His kingdom? Are there tasks whose calling has passed? Is there a new endeavor for which I can trust Him? (Psalm 1:1-3; Psalm 39:4; 90:12; 92:14)

His constancy in our finiteness is also cause for ongoing praise. Knowing He is nigh, bearing us up and carrying us through even the most difficult places, gives security and peace that free us to be outward-focused. Vibrant living at any stage reaps friendship, satisfaction, joy in service, and gratitude. How do expend ourselves so He receives the notice? With whom are we proclaiming His steadfast love and faithfulness? In what specific ways do our actions spell out praise for His beauties and graces, and our voices resound with Amen?

Lord, may my life exemplify Your bearing in every season.