Important Truth – You Have a Purpose Whatever Your Age

Sharing is caring!

Rev and I have been doing a lot of reminiscing lately. And looking back we can see that God has always had a purpose for the things He has allowed in our lives.

Next month, will mark 51 years since we made a “temporary” move to St. Louis, MO, so Rev could go to Seminary. We thought we’d be there for four years and then move on to some new adventure in a new location. But God had a plan and purpose for us in the Gateway to the West.

Now that we’re retired and dealing with health issues it can be tempting to wonder if God still has a purpose for us. Culture may portray retired people as past their purpose, but God’s Word has another message for us.

Let’s take a look at Psalm 71…

David is the believed author of this Psalm as it matches his writing style . . . one of asking God to hear his prayer, protect, and rescue him. But he added verses expressing his need for God to continue to use him and give him strength in his “old age”…

O Lord, You alone are my hope.
    I’ve trusted You, O Lord, from childhood.
Yes, You have been with me from birth;
    from my mother’s womb you have cared for me.
    No wonder I am always praising You!

And now, in my old age, don’t set me aside.
    Don’t abandon me when my strength is failing.

Psalm 71:5–6, 9

Whatever our age, young or old, the Lord alone is our hope. He has been and continues to be with us. We can trust Him because He promises that from the womb through old age He is always with us. And He keeps His promises!

Promises…

• to never leave or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5)
• to help us carry our heavy burdens. (Matthew 11:28)
• to strengthen us when we are weak. (Isaiah 40:29)
• to calm our fear. (Zephaniah 3:17)
• to forgive us. (1 John 1:9)
• to meet all our needs in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)

Our God is faithful and He keeps His promises.

He has plans for us…

I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. 

Jeremiah 29:11a

He has a purpose for us…

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.

Ephesians 2:10

I don’t know where you fall on the age scale but wherever you are, God’s plans and purposes for you include Knowing, Trusting, and Loving Him . . . sharing His love, and telling others about Him.

God, You have taught me from my earliest childhood,
    and I constantly tell others about the wonderful things you do.

Let me proclaim Your power to this new generation,
    Your mighty miracles to all who come after me.

Psalm 71:17, 18b

One of the things the enemy uses to beat me down is to tell me that the older I get the more irrelevant I become. He may go after your heart with that lie, too.

But God… (Don’t you just love those two words?)

We are never irrelevant to God!

He has a plan and a purpose for every day He gives us. If He blesses us with the gift of another day . . . there is something for us to do.

And whatever our age, young or old, by God’s grace, we are always able and equipped to pray, praise, and proclaim.

I will always have hope
    and will praise You more and more.
I will tell how You do what is right.
    I will tell about your salvation all day long,
    even though it is more than I can tell.

Psalm 71:14–15 (NCV)

When God is with and within us we will always have a purpose in fulfilling His plans.

Let’s pray…

A Prayer for God’s Help to Live with Purpose

Father God, we spend so much time making plans without first asking You about Your plans for us. We purposefully work toward goals without prayerfully asking if they are what You want for us. We selfishly go for what we want without knowing if it’s Your will. Please forgive us. Please forgive me.

You have created every one of us. You equip each of us with everything we need to accomplish Your purposes. And You tell us Your purpose is that we would LOVE You and one another.

When I fail at loving the way You desire . . . You forgive me. You open the door for new opportunities and fill my surrendered heart with new attitudes.

Your Word says that when I trust You with all my heart, You will show me the path to take. (Proverbs 3:5–6) It tells us that You want everyone to be saved and know Your truth. (1 Timothy 2:4) It promises that You work Your purposes for good through a loving heart surrendered to You. (Romans 8:28)

I pray that with the help of Your Spirit, I will accomplish Your plans and purposes. Because I believe that if You have given me the gift of another day, You have something for me to do. So, I will faithfully pray, praise, and proclaim Your great love. And Your abundant blessings. Your all-sufficient grace. I thank and praise You now and forever . . . whatever my age. Amen.

Whatever your age from unsteady steps to confident strides or back to hesitant unsteadiness . . . God has a plan and a purpose for you.

Pray to Him . . . pray for your family and friends, your community and country, your enemies and advocates. Pray.

The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

James 5:16

Praise and Worship Him . . . lift Him up in song and love Him with all your heart.

They fell face down on the ground and worshiped and praised the Lord, saying, “He is good! His faithful love endures forever!”

2 Chronicles 7:3

Proclaim Him . . . Tell everyone about all that He has done for you and shine the light of His love.

You are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for He called you out of the darkness into His wonderful light.

1 Peter 2:9

So, don’t ever give up! Whatever your age, God has a plan and a purpose for you!

We would love to pray for you.
You can leave your prayer requests here…

and even take a few minutes to pray over the list left by our friends.

Never Miss an Update

Leave your email address and I’ll send you a short email every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to alert you to each new devotion. Plus you’ll receive a copy of 30 Ways to Bless Your Marriage and Keep the Spark Burning

I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi” and share your thoughts in the comments below.

And if this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Maybe a friend, family member, coworker, or through the links below…

Thanks again for visiting! Don’t forget to check out the links below to find additional posts that will bless you…

Sharing is caring!