I recently turned 50, and it has been kind of a shock to my self-concept. I’ve had such a long time to get used to being young, I’m not sure what to do with “50.” Since the big birthday, I’ve been reviewing my life a bit—accomplishments, things still undone, all my imperfections and faults, health issues, gray hair, wrinkles around my eyes.
As a Christ-follower, I’ve been sharing my insecurities about this new stage of life with God. I’ve been finding so much comfort in His company and knowing that no matter how old I grow to be, I will always be His child, and He will always be my Father. Hebrews 13:5 shares Jesus’ promise, “I will never fail you, nor forsake you.” And in Psalm 27:10, we are assured, “Even if my father and mother abandon me, the LORD will hold me close.” God has blessed me with wonderful, loving parents, but I know one day they will leave us to be with God. I dread parting with them as they are two of my dearest friends, but find solace in knowing I will still have a loving Father in God.
As for all those other worries—things undone, faults, health issues, wrinkles—I know God’s expectations for me are reasonable, and that my salvation depends only on Christ and what He has already accomplished in giving Himself to pay the price for our sins, so that we may someday be with Him in Heaven. I’m thankful I still have time to serve Him, to accomplish a few more goals, perhaps many, but it is helpful to realize God “knows how weak we are; He remembers we are only dust.” Psalm 103:14.
Through Scripture, He reminds me all the time that this life is not about me (Thank You, Lord!), but living for His glory. In Matthew 5:16, Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in Heaven.” And in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “…, whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Those reminders remove a lot of stress from my life and give me an assignment I can handle with His help.
As for the gray hair, I’m still working on seeing it as God does, “a crown of glory.” Psalm 16:31.
