GOLDEN BLESSINGS

According to national statistics, the population of Singapore as at June 2024 stands at 6.04 million comprising citizens (3.64 million), permanent residents (540,000) and foreign workforce (1.86 million). Almost 20% of the citizens are senior citizens who were born during the baby boomer years (1946-1964). I am one of the baby boomers.

Over the years, the government has continually put in tremendous efforts to cater to the social and health needs of the aging population. Sometimes, I wonder whether nursing homes and funeral parlours will be the growth industries of the future.

As age catches up for everyone, it is natural that most people think that they just need to enjoy themselves, while they can, such as travelling while their legs are still able to walk/climb, retiring comfortably and doing things that they were too busy to do earlier.  In short, it’s time to relax and enjoy yourself because you have worked hard and you deserve it.    

I am not suggesting that doing these things is wrong! Don’t we all hope for that opportunity one day when we retire from our secular jobs?

As I enter into the “golden years” of my life as a Christian, I believe the golden years should be special, and this can be the case if we are searching for what is truly precious.  What is “gold” in the golden years? Is it earthly wealth, status or health?

As I read Psalm 71, there are three golden blessings that God can only provide when we are old.

GOLDEN BLESSING #1 - SECURITY (Psalm 71:1-11)

It strengthens and comforts us to know that God is our strong refuge, saviour, rock, fortress, hope, sustainer, protector and deliverer. The world has always used wealth, weaponry, laws, etc. for protection and security but the psalmist found trust in the Lord to keep him safe. You see, security cannot be measured in money or weaponry. In their weakness and vulnerability, the aged can feel safe with God.

GOLDEN BLESSING #2 – WITNESS OF FAITH (Psalm 71:12-19)

It is important that as we age, we ought to grow stronger in faith and spiritual maturity.  The physical body weakens in age but God blesses the faithful as His witness of faith as they grow older. The psalmist declared that God had taught him from his youth and he continued to declare His righteousness, wondrous works, strength and power.  Now that he was old and grey-headed, he continued to praise and trust God who in turn strengthened him and his appreciation for the Lord and His blessings.

GOLDEN BLESSING #3 – CONFIDENCE (Psalm 71:20-24)

The psalmist had great confidence in God to revive him again and he looked forward to being with God, praising Him and confessing His name. This feeling of confidence is a blessing bestowed on those who have been and continue to be faithful to the Lord, obeyed His word and confessed His name. It is God’s gift to the faithful. As one faces death at the end of one’s life, this confidence is the most precious blessing of all because it provides the peace, joy, strength and comfort needed at the most critical time of one’s life.  

These are indeed the true blessings of old age. They do not come from the things we have done in our lives or the amount of money we have. Those who have made an effort and persevere in knowing and serving the Lord will find true gold in their golden years.  Only God can give these golden blessings which neither money nor status can buy.  

Let’s focus on the things which come from above (James 3:13-18) and in doing so, produce the fruit of the heavenly things – purity, gentleness, mercy, good works. Our golden years should be golden indeed – filled with the fruit that has been and continues to be cultivated as we stay faithful and walk this Christian life in God’s love and grace.

Psalm 92:14-15: They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing, to declare that the Lord is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.

I hope that we will offer to God what we have and persevere to the end in faith, knowing that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13).