The old will flourish!

“And I will still be carrying you when you are old. Your hair will turn gray, and I will still carry you. I made you, and I will carry you to safety.” (Isa. 46:4)

My children made me promise I’d retire at age 75. I really hadn’t planned on retiring; it was still a few years away. But I agreed because they seemed so concerned about my future, and it made them happy when I said, "Yes." Actually, the reason why I hadn’t given much thought to retiring is that I loved the company I had formed so many years earlier, as well as my employees, my customers, and even the industry we were a part of. And I was shocked at how fast the years flew by, but when the day arrived, I kept my word as promised. Afterwards, however, I felt like I still had vision, energy, and lots of things I still wanted to do. So, I started a new company and also started a non-profit Christian ministry to serve the industry I had just come out of. Yes, I had promised my children I would retire from my current company, and I did. But I never promised not to start something new afterwards, so I did. And now, I’m busy again, and I'm feeling productive and wonderful. 

And Another thing about retiring

I can’t find anywhere in the Bible where we are told to retire when old. In fact, just the opposite: God’s people continued to do His will even into old age. Moses and Aaron did most of their work leading the Hebrew children out of bondage to the promised land well into their 80's, and Moses remained healthy and active for God until age 120 (see Deut. 34:7).

“Exodus 7:6-9 “So Moses and Aaron did just as the LORD had commanded them. Moses was eighty years old, and Aaron was eighty-three when they made their demands to Pharaoh. Then the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Pharaoh will demand, ‘Show me a miracle.’ When he does this, say to Aaron, ‘Take your staff and throw it down in front of Pharaoh, and it will become a serpent.” (Exo. 7:6-9)

Therefore

Even in old age you can still flourish and produce fruit.  

“But the godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon. For they are transplanted to the LORD’s own house. They flourish in the courts of our God. Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green. They will declare, “The LORD is just! He is my rock! There is no evil in him!” (Psalms 92:12-14)

“Wisdom belongs to the aged, and understanding to the old.” (Job 12:12)

“Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is obtained by following a righteous path.” (Prov. 16:31)

“I thought, ‘Those who are older should speak, for wisdom comes with age.’” (Job 32:7)

A prayer for the aged

“Now that I am old and my hair is gray, don’t leave me, God. I must tell the next generation about your power and greatness. God, your goodness reaches far above the skies. You have done wonderful things. God, there is no one like you.” (Psalms 71:18-19)