A Word of Encouragement from Elizabeth Rice Handford
The Scriptures warn us (as we noted in our last conversation) to remember God in our youth, “before the evil days come” (Ecclesiastes 12:10). I confessed to you that my old age has its severe handicaps. I recently celebrated my 99th birthday. I can’t see well; I can’t hear well, even with hearing aids; I can’t walk without a walker; and sometimes I can’t remember a familiar word. That’s the sort of “evil days” King Solomon describes.
But God has also promised a long and happy life to those who fear Him. “‘Honor your father and mother,’ which is the first commandment with promise: ‘that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth’” (Ephesians 6:2,3). That promise is repeated throughout Scripture.
So we have an apparent contradiction. “Evil days” certainly do come in old age. Yet a long and happy life is promised to faithful Christians. They are both true, because God’s Holy Bible is inerrant— it has no mistakes in it.
Perhaps the answer is that King Solomon focused on the physical aspects of old age. But a godly person can experience the daily, hourly presence of his Creator and holy God that banishes fear and doubt and gives joy and productivity in His presence.
In Exodus chapter 33, Moses, who was 80 years old, told God that the burden of leading the 6 million Israelites into Canaan was too great a burden. But God made him a solemn promise.
Moses said,
“Now therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in Your sight,
show me now Your way, that I may know You
and that I may find grace in Your sight. . . .”
And God said,
“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
Moses said,
“If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here.
For how then will it be known
that Your people and I have found grace in Your sight,
except You go with us?”
So the LORD said to Moses,
“I will also do this thing that you have spoken;
for you have found grace in My sight,
and I know you by name.” Exodus 33:12-17
Old age certainly has its handicaps and frustrations. But with God’s presence and power, old age can be productive and joyful. You can experience God’s presence in such a deeply personal way that all the losses of old age are softened.
King David prayed:
O God, You have taught me from my earliest childhood,
and I constantly tell others about the wonderful things You do.
Now that I am old and gray,
do not abandon me, O God.
Let me proclaim your power to this new generation,
your mighty miracles to all who come after me. Psalm 71:17,18