Notes on Hope Devotional

Even In It

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.

I love how the Word of God covers the entire lifespan. Psalm 139 tells us how God saw us before we were born. God’s promises endure from birth to death, ever reminding us of His faithfulness that is never-ending.

Today’s verse is filled with reassurance and reminders of God’s continued presence, provision, and power as we age.

Last month I celebrated another birthday. Now in my seventh decade, I am duly and fully a senior citizen. I have been for a while and always appreciate the discounts offered to seniors. Aging introduced me to more supplements, additional scans and tests, and not just one physical exam per year, but two. I joked with my doctor, asking, “Why do I need to come twice a year?” He smiled and said, “Well, we want to keep a good eye on the changes your body is making.” Which I thought, “Ok, kind of like an old car, more things can go wrong.”

So while we are changing, God doesn’t. “I am he, I am he who will sustain you.”

“I have made you and will carry you.” God created us, formed us in our mother’s womb, and knows the number of hairs on our heads. We have a history with Him from birth.

“I will sustain you, and I will rescue you.” We have a future with God, as we grow older. God promises to sustain us, carry us, and rescue us. I don’t know what you need rescuing from today, but here’s the thing. God will be in it with you. God carries us through loss, illness, surgeries, procedures, and appointments. God carries us through watching our children suffer, parents who are aging, and our grandchildren getting sick.

God is present, period. We will all age. Even in it, God is with us.

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for this promise of Your presence as we grow older. Thank you for carrying us and sustaining us. Help us stay steady as we hold tightly to You.
In Jesus Name, Amen.