Retirement Not An Option

"The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon, planted in the house of the LORD, They will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, 'The LORD is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him" (Psalm 92:12-15).

The times when I bring music and devotions to those who have been consigned to convalescent care, or in assisted living homes I see many who are in despair. Far too many have resigned themselves to just living until they die. There are many who have lost their sense of self-worth. And as I survey the tenants of those places my heart goes out to them for they have not understood, God's Word tells all of us we have worth. The Beatitudes given by Jesus begin with Him teaching that all have worth. "Blessed are...." repeated nine times and then we are told to "Rejoice and be glad...."; the Greek word used there is markarios and has a much deeper meaning than just "Blessed." It means supremely blessed, well off. fortunate. When you read those Beatitudes read like this, "I am supremely blessed, fortunate, and well off because of being poor (distressed) in spirit"; How can I say that, because the "Kingdom of Heaven" is yours and "great is your reward in Heaven."  Does this mean that we just sit back now that old age has come upon us? Never may that be!

Our job description may change with time, but, the mission statement does not change. We have work to do, we can do the most important work of all; prayer. "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints" (Ephesians 6:18). That advice is for all of every age. For those who cannot physically move about as they once did, can pray. Pray for what? "all kind of prayers and requests." Isn't it great! We get to always be of worth, we have work to do in all seasons of life, "The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise" (Proverbs 11:30). Yes, prayer does work, and we all have either family members or friends who have yet to come to know the saving grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus. We plant seeds, we send letters of encouragement, we pray. They need what we know; that we are "supremely blessed," we have God on our side, and they need God as well. We don't retire, we just get transferred to a new position, a new job description.

Come from the throne of God above
O Paraclete, O Holy Dove
Come, Oil of gladness, cleansing fire
And Living Spring of pure desire.
                        Rabanus Maurus (776-856 A.D.)

Daily Prayer:

Thank you God for supremely blessing me, may I never forget that You love me so much that You are present to hear my request and petitions in my prayers. Use me, to win souls, to plant seed, to faithfully witness to others. Increase my heart toward those I know who need salvation that I may joyfully pray knowing that you answer prayers.                                                        Amen