Transitioning in Our Latter Years

Widowhood is a common transition as we grow old. Most married couples will lose a spouse at some point, and everything in life changes, as we looked at yesterday. Women will lose their life partner more often than men, and the Word tells us to care for them. We will all need godly assistance and counsel as we reach this season of life. I consider this advice from my friend, Quin Sherrer, to be very wise, as she writes on the transitions we often face as we grow older:

“Widowhood is a daunting transition, to be sure, but it isn’t the only one we will face. Others might include: When do we stop driving? Do we need to downsize to a smaller place? Or which medical treatments should we pursue, if needed? The list goes on and on. I have a friend who displays a plaque that reads, ‘Lord, prepare me for what You have prepared for me.’ That’s a prayer we can all embrace, knowing that one way in which the Lord prepares us, is by placing reliable, responsible counselors in our lives.”1

“Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter days. There are many plans in a man’s heart, nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand.” (Proverbs 19:20-21; NKJV)

Give Him 15 minutes in prayer:

  • The baby boomer generation is aging and we are about to see the largest number of elderly in our society that there has ever been. Ask God to make us ready to minister to their unique needs.
  • If you are a senior citizen, ask God to prepare you for what He has prepared for you.
  • Intercede for wise counselors, and mentors unique to this season of life to be raised up. Housing, healthcare, physical assistance, financial advice, as well as provision, legal experts in senior matters, and many other things may be needed.
  • Pray against those who prey on the elderly. Ask the Lord to protect them from these wicked ones.

A prayer you can pray:

“Lord, You know my complex circumstances and needs even more than I do. Thank You, Lord for rescuing me from situations that seemed so complicated and hopeless. Thank you for helping me adjust to living conditions that are different from what I was accustomed to and different from what I would have chosen. Give me a haven, a place of safety, and a strategic location for my future. Help me handle my money challenges with the right attitude. I need wisdom and discernment from You to make wise financial decisions. Help me be a good steward of the resources I have. Bless those who minister to me every day, making my life more comfortable. Please put on my heart the names of those I can ask for help and prepare them to assist me. Guard me from the wrong ones. Prepare me for what You have prepared for me in my future. I ask in Jesus’ name, amen.”

Today’s decree:

Let the Body of Christ arise and become wisdom, strength, and support to those aging around us, especially the widows.

1 Excerpts from “Hope for a Widow’s Heart: Encouraging Reflections For Your Journey”, by Quin Sherrer. Authentic Publishers, Franklin, TN. 2013. 45, 49, 55, 60-61.