Notes From the Pastor's Desk
March 1, 2026
“When He Is Old”
Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” We could dwell on the first part of this verse about training a child, but I want to lift out several words from the text — “When he is old.” Not everyone has the privilege of growing old. Some die at an early age. We do not always know the “why” of those kinds of situations. This verse assumes that some will live to be an old age. According to my VA doctor, the average life span of a man now is seventy-six years old. If we live to be old, how should we approach life?
I. Stay Active
Proverbs 21:25 says, “The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.” Proverbs 26:15 declares, “The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.” I know some in their old age become limited in what they can do but do the best you can do and keep on doing all you can do. Do all you are able to do and you will come out the winner!
II. Stay Devout
Don't allow your declining years to water down your commitment to the Lord and your church. I know some people are not able to come to church regularly, but a lot of them seem to make it other places. Psalms 116:9, “I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living.” One thing I want to do as a “when he is old” person is to continue to be loyal to my Lord and His church.
III. Stay Prayerful
The Bible says to “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17). If you ever needed an effective prayer life it is when the declining years come. Draw close to the Lord and it will help you deal with the matters that you face as you grow older.
IV. Stay in the Book
Psalms 119:16 states, “I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.” From the Bible we receive comfort and strength to make it though those last years of our lives. To not stay in the Bible will leave you without the comfort you ought to have and without the spiritual strength you need to pass through the various trials of the elderly. The Bible is not just another book. It is our guidebook to get us through this land where we are pilgrims and strangers, until we arrive home one day safely in Heaven.