By David Ettinger
Aging Issues
Over the past few months, I have known several people who have experienced aging issues.
Some have died and some are still living, but the commonality concerning these aging issues is the decay on the mind. I accept that the body declines, but it’s the mental deterioration that disturbs me.
I also know several people in their 80s and 90s who are mentally sound – and how envious I am! Should I live to that age, I hope my mental faculties are similarly strong.
Though I shouldn’t obsess over such thoughts yet (I’m 64), I can’t help thinking and even worrying about them. However, this flies in the face of Philippians 4:6: “Do not be anxious about anything …”
Therefore, in light of this powerful admonition, let’s focus on what God says about aging. Here are 3 comforting verses to boost your spirits!
Isaiah 46:4
“Even to your old age I will be the same, and even to your graying years I will carry you! I have done it, and I will bear you; and I will carry you and I will save you.”
This is God’s proclamation of comfort and assurance to all who fret over aging. The truths are soaring:
1. God promises that though you are aging and decaying, He never will! The God you placed your faith in so long ago – when you were strong and vibrant – is the same powerful God you are clinging to in your declining years.
2. Though you may not be strong enough to “carry” yourself – physically, mentally, or emotionally – God certainly is! He is the One who will look after your life while still in the flesh, and the one who will allow you to keep functioning.
3. And no matter how bad your physical or mental capacities decline, remember that your soul is as secure as ever! God will save you! That is, He will save your soul. Though your body ever nears its end, your soul is alive and well!
2 Corinthians 4:16
“Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer person is decaying, yet our inner person is being renewed day by day.”
Though your “outer person” is decaying, you can rejoice knowing the Holy Spirit is always at work refreshing and regenerating the core of who we are – a redeemed child of Christ created anew in the blood of your glorious Savior (2 Corinthians 5:17)!
Though your body fails, your spirit succeeds! God lifts it daily that you may increasingly become more and more like Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18). The Lord sends you daily supplies of spiritual power that you may serve, honor, and worship Him.
He nourishes you for the work He wants you to do in accordance with your physical capabilities!
Philippians 1:6
“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work among you will complete it by the day of Christ Jesus.”
This verse is a continuation of the one above. Whereas 2 Corinthians 4:16 concerns God’s consistent work in you during this life, Philippians 1:6 carries this work through to eternal life. In is during this life that God “began a good work” in you. That work is salvation, and it is eternal. The decaying and eventual destruction of your body cannot touch your salvation.
However, your salvation is not “complete.” It is complete regarding your soul, but not your body – the new body you will receive at Christ’s return to Earth (1 Corinthians 15; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18).
In other words, what you are now – even at your strongest and best – cannot measure up to the glory that awaits you. You are incomplete. Your immortal, perfect body awaits you, and when that body is joined to your spirit, then your salvation will be complete!
Take Heart!
So yes, we are all aging – many of us more than others! But take heart, God has given us these 3 encouraging verses (and more) to assure us He is still with us, always strengthening us spiritually, and will carry us to our “complete” and glorious salvation!
David Ettinger is a writer/editor at Zion’s Hope, Inc., and has written for Zion’s Fire magazine since its inception in 1990.
READ MY FOLLOWUP BLOG: “God Declares: ‘Even to Your Old Age … I Am He’“
EttingerWriting.com 
Bruce Cooper
May 3, 2022
Well, I’m not 80 yet but 77 is definitely getting up there! As far as I can tell, the old grey cells are still working properly (although in all honesty, some might question that) and God’s grace prevails! Seriously looking forward to the “upgrade” though! Thank you for this reassuring post. Blessings David!
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dettinger47
May 3, 2022
Yes, from what I can tell, your grey cells DO seem to be working well. And I’m with you regarding that upgrade!
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Katherine
May 3, 2022
Proverbs 16:31- “Gray Hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness.”
You’re not old yet!
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dettinger47
May 3, 2022
Appreciate it! Thanks, Katherine.
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Wise Hearted
May 3, 2022
Thanks for the, “take heart”, post. I am 75 and feeling it a lot. But I do have days when my mind is clear and strong. It’s my body that is decaying faster than my mind but like you I am hoping my mind stays strong. Today my husband and I went to the school and read to three classes of kindergartens, it was fun but I know for sure I would not want to work in them as my daughter does who is in her 40’s. I do teach a ladies bible study and that helps keep my mind sharp. I am grateful for my 75 years and all God has allow me to do and grateful He is not done with me yet. Blessings.
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dettinger47
May 3, 2022
Thank you for these thoughts. I think you hit on a major key to aging … staying active and engaged . It seems we have to keep going so long as we can. Regarding you and your husband, it certainly seems that the Lord still has work for you to do!
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Lisa Blair
May 3, 2022
I’m turning 70 in 12 days. I spent more time fretting the 70’s than focusing on living life to the fullest. I will meet this watershed mark, healthy, vibrant, and with a clear mind, awe – clarity. Praise God!
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dettinger47
May 3, 2022
Thanks for sharing this, Lisa. Happiest birthday wishes, a may God bless you richly in the years ahead!
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Andy Oldham
May 3, 2022
Thanks for this David, I’ll be 72 in July. I am growing older by the second, lol. God Bless!
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dettinger47
May 3, 2022
Thank you, Andy. I’m trying to work on growing older by the hour rather than the second, but that doesn’t seem to be working!
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Andy Oldham
May 3, 2022
Lol, I know what you mean, David!
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bigskybuckeye
May 3, 2022
Amen! Being 66 years young, I can attempt to keep my body and mind as healthy as possible. These efforts fall far short of God’s ability to keep us spiritual young as we walk with His Son.
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dettinger47
May 3, 2022
Great point, Big Sky. I agree!
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The Quiet Roarer
May 3, 2022
I’m only a spring chicken in my fifties, but we just celebrated my grandmother’s 100th birthday! Her body is frail but her mind is still sharp. According to Nan the secret is lots of chocolate, keeping a sense of humour, and doing crosswords! 😆
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dettinger47
May 3, 2022
Sounds like a great plan. I’ll follow her example!
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pastorpete51
May 3, 2022
I had not thought about our new body being the completion of our salvation. That is a real encouragement. Thanks
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dettinger47
May 4, 2022
Thank you.
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Tom
May 4, 2022
Thanks, David. Most of us are able to put our bodily mortality out of our minds until we get into our 50s and 60s and the evidence becomes undismissable. I’m grateful to the Lord that He accompanies us on our remaining pilgrimage and will carry us home.
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dettinger47
May 4, 2022
Well said on all fronts, Tom.
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ken riddles
May 4, 2022
Thanks for this post – eternal YOUTH beckons… 😎
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dettinger47
May 4, 2022
Indeed it does, Ken! Thank you.
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Lisa Beth
May 4, 2022
I’m with you brother, at 64 I think of possible mental…what’s the word I’m thinking of??
But the Lord showed me things in this. On the extreme, years ago Bob & I went to visit an elderly friend far away. A strong believer, she shared the Gospel with Bob many years ago. With Alzheimers she didn’t recognize Bob or even her own kids. But she remembered all the Scriptures and sang songs of praise during our visit. (A sharp sword dividing the soul and spirit) This encourages me to share the Gospel with anyone, mentally ill or otherwise afflicted.
Secondly (sorry to write so much!) I learned two lessons from Zac Poonen and Paul Washer. God waits until our own strength reaches ZERO before His power comes to fruition. Think of Moses, Gideon, Samson, even Paul who was stripped of eyesight becoming dependent upon the Lord.
Paul Washer teaches “God constantly brings us to a place of weakness that we may beseech Him in prayer and gain His strength for His glory” (paraphrase)
Well, I often feel like a ZERO and surely weak at times…I must be going in the right direction!
Press on brother, our last lap will be the best!
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dettinger47
May 4, 2022
Great points, Lisa Beth, and I especially appreciate what you shared about your elderly friend. That’s incredibly encouraging. Regarding you “writing so much,” on the contrary, I think you can well turn this comment into a full-fledged blog!
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Lisa Beth
May 4, 2022
Thank you David!
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Crissy
May 7, 2022
So good to read your post this night David. Thank you.
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dettinger47
May 7, 2022
Thank you, Crissy.
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