As we enter 2022, here is an encouraging word and timely reminder from C. H. Spurgeon, to those of us who are now living beyond our three score and ten years and who may be facing physical, or perhaps other kinds of issues that can get us down. To us he says:

“Here is a promise for our aging friends, and yes, for all of us, as age creeps over us. When we grow old our God is still the I AM, abiding evermore the same. Grey hairs tell of our decay, but HE decayeth not. When we cannot carry a burden, and can hardly carry ourselves, the Lord will carry us. Even as in young days He carried us as lambs in his bosom, so will He in our years of infirmity.

“He made us and He will care for us. When we become a burden to our friends and a burden to ourselves the Lord will not shake us off, but rather He will take us up and carry and deliver us more fully than ever. In some cases the Lord may give His servants a long and calm evening, while others have worked hard all day and have worn themselves out in the Master’s service. So He says to them to rest in anticipation of that eternal Sabbath which He has prepared for them for, “Even to your old age I am He; and even to grey hairs will I carry you. I have made you… and I will deliver you’” (Isaiah 46:4).

“From day to day and year to year my faith believes in the wisdom and love of God, and I know I shall not believe in vain. In a few more years I must depart out of this world unto the Father. My Lord will be near my bed and He will meet me at heaven’s gate. He will welcome me and I shall not be a stranger in heaven. My own God and Father will receive me to its endless bliss. GLORY BE TO HIM WHO WILL GUIDE ME HERE, AND RECEIVE ME HEREAFTER. AMEN.”

I thank God for this encouraging word from one who himself suffered much in his latter years, both physically and emotionally. It is a reminder to us all, whatever our age may be, that,

When life gets hard, and nights are long,
He carries me, He gives a song.
I am secure, I fear no harm
When I am held in Jesus’ arms.