Aging with Purpose: A Journey in Faith

My friend David shared his Reflections on Aging and Faith contemplating what growing older as a child of God looks like as he discovered his carbon monoxide detector had expired.

David’s reflections on the relentless “chirp-chirp” he heard struck a chord. Funny how the smallest things—an alarm, a flickering light—can stir up some of the deepest thoughts. These reminders of “end of life” on an everyday device certainly do put things in perspective. It’s almost as if they prompt us to consider our own shelf life and the impact we leave behind.

David’s story about the chirping carbon monoxide detector got me thinking about those unexpected reminders that the Holy Spirit gives us that our days on this earth do have limits. There’s a weird comfort in those moments when we’re nudged to pause and consider the passage of time. I think many of us feel that tension David describes in his post—wondering if we’ve lived fully and faithfully, if we’ve made the most of the life God granted us, and what it means to carry our calling as children of God forward as we grow older. Getting old ain’t for sissies; that adage is even more true if we are believers. What kind of legacy will we live behind?

The journey of aging acts as a spiritual teacher in itself, its lessons full of both clarity and complexity. I find myself wrestling with questions of legacy and purpose. As the years go by, I’m more aware of what feels solid in my faith, the unshakable core of God’s love and grace, and yet I also feel the call to adapt—to change with the times—to keep growing in my understanding of what it means to live life fully and faithfully.

One verse that resonates deeply with me is from Isaiah 46:4: “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.” For me, this promise speaks not only to God’s presence but to the ongoing nature of our purpose. There is no mention of retirement in the Bible—only life and death. We’re not set on a shelf to gather dust as we age; instead, God carries us, sustaining us to do meaningful work, even if it looks different than before. What you do with the dash matters.

A lot of growing older is about finding new ways to respond to God’s purpose for our lives. Seasons change, as can our roles and responsibilities. Our personal energy shifts and our focus changes, but I believe we’re each called to continue to serve, to share, and to love in a way that reflects God’s character and brings Him glory. For me, that change means leaning into my creative work, writing, and engaging in community advocacy—all ways to keep giving voice to what and who matters.

Saturday, Terri and I had lunch with our good friend Bill Kinder. As we chatted and chewed our lunch,we discussed the importance of leaving a legacy for the future.

I think there’s a real wisdom in aging, even if it can be bittersweet. We gain perspective as we go, often looking back at younger versions of ourselves with a blend of understanding and even humor. It’s almost like we walk alongside ourselves, wondering at all we’ve done, how much we’ve learned, and, maybe more importantly, how much we’re still learning.

The beauty of this season of life is that it reveals a depth that we might not have been seen before. I’m learning that my journey with God is less about getting it “right” and more about being willing to grow, to be humbled, and to listen. These can be hard lessons to learn.

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O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭71‬:‭17‬-‭18‬ ‭ESV‬‬

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Aging is not just a process; it’s an opportunity. It’s a chance to lean deeper into who we are and how we live out our faith. I’m grateful to share this part of the journey with friends like David, who are also asking the big questions and inviting us to reflect on what truly matters.

We are here for each new chapter God gives us, called to declare His goodness to those who come after us. Whether in a word of encouragement, a simple prayer, or sharing stories about lessons learned, our experiences can offer others a little more hope and guidance as they journey forward.

A shout to my fellow blogging brother, David for opening this conversation.

I wonder if you, dear reader, will join us in this exploration of growing older in the Lord?

May we all continue to find purpose and joy in this walk of faith, wherever it leads. And may our lives, even as we grow older, ring out with a sound more enduring than any “chirp”—the sound of love, wisdom, and gratitude.

Until my next post—

Grace and peace,

Rainer Bantau —The Devotional Guy™

#JesusStrong