Senior Strengths – Senior Strong

To God, old age is an honorable attainment.

Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness. (Prov. 16:31)

The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old. (Prov. 20:29)

Bible Verses to Remind Us that God Still Has Purpose for the Elderly

Think about it. If God no longer has a purpose on this earth for a person, wouldn’t He take them to be with Him? One can only assume God isn’t finished with them yet. He has more for them to accomplish as they continue to yield to Him.

Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come. (Ps. 71:18)

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, …. (Eccl. 3:1-8)

Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. (Ps. 139:16)

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (Ps. 90:12)

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me. (Phil. 1:21-26)

God Still Wants to Bear Fruit in the Lives of Older Believers

Jesus reminds us that if we abide in Him, we will bear fruit. The qualification for fruit bearing is abiding in Him, not our age bracket. Here’s a verse teachers might use with older believers to remind them of this truth:

The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, “The LORD is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.” (Ps. 92:12-15)

Bible Verses on How God Gives Strength & Guidance for Senior Adults to Continue Serving Him

We are not merely talking about physical strength. Most importantly is the inner strength needed to be His light even from a wheel chair, in a nursing home, laying flat in bed, etc.

Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone. (Ps. 71:9)

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. (2 Cor. 4:16)

Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. (Isa. 46:4 … context: speaking to descendents of Judah but undoubtedly true for His people today)

I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. (Ps. 37:25)

Not sure what they can do at their age? Encourage them to ask Him:

For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end. (Ps. 48:14)

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (Ps. 90:12)

Perhaps Isaiah 40:30-31 was memorized when they were younger. Now it is time to add verse 29 —

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

God Sustains Senior Adults with His Future Hope

Knowing their time on this earth will soon come to an end, older believers can trust themselves to God knowing that no matter how hard their last days get, He will be with them and make it all worthwhile. These verses can serve as a reminder:

Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (Ps. 23:6)

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day — and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. (2 Tim. 4:7-8)

God Provides Specific Ways He Might Use Senior Adults

God can use older believers in a number of ways. Two are specifically referenced in Scripture:

1) if grandparents, impact in their grandchildren’s lives (Prov. 17:6)

2) mentoring of younger men and younger women (Titus 2:2-6)

God is Praised When the Elderly Maintain the Right Heart Attitude

How easy it would be to grumble and complain about the hardships of growing old. Yet, even into our senior years, we are to bring glory to Him through our actions, attitudes, and words. None of the verses about being light and salt in this world, about everybody having a part in the Body, etc. have an expiration date. Titus 2:2-3 reminds us of qualities that need to be in older men and women if they are going to have a real impact on others.

young men and women, old men and children. Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens. (Ps. 148:12-13)

Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come. (Ps. 71:18)

Resource: Train Bible Teachers (www.trainbibleteachers.com)