To the Middle Aged
Although many consider me to be young, I consider myself to be middle aged at 37, and I’m ok with that (see Psalm 90:10). I love seeing what God is doing among my age group, but I also am concerned by many things I see. Here are some observations and truths from Psalm 71.
Upon you I have leaned from before my birth; you are he who took me from my mother's womb. My praise is continually of you.
—Psalm 71:6
Slow Down. You are likely too busy. Find a way to re-balance your life. Eliminate the clutter. Your life is a marathon, not a sprint, so set a manageable pace. You need rest. Learn from your mistakes and press forward.
let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
—Ephesians 5:33
Work Harder at Home. Re-prioritize your marriage and family. Marriage is hard. Parenting is hard. It takes work. The honeymoon may be long over at this point, but passion is not impossible, no matter the disappointments you’ve encountered. Your spouse needs you. Your kids need you. They need your time, attention and love. Put the phone down. Turn the TV off. Talk and play more. Show your spouse and kids how much you love Jesus and love them.
…bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
—Ephesians 6:4
Commit to Your Workplace. Work hard but recognize that every job has its drawbacks. The grass is not always greener on the other side. Many have changed jobs too often and in retrospect would have chosen differently and opted for a longer term commitment. If possible, find a job where you thrive, enjoying what you do and doing your best at it. Work as if Jesus is your boss. Treat employees in the same way you’d want to be treated. Take your paycheck home and be wise with it. Live within your means. Be generous to God. Pay off debt. Save for the future.
…rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man…
—Ephesians 6:7
Don’t Bounce Between Churches. I am convinced that many Christians are spiritually immature simply as a result of regular church hopping. Pastors are at fault in many of these situations as well. Stop choosing fad churches and popular pastors. Brag less about your pastor and church and more about Jesus. If the Lord clearly leads you to another church family, do so in peace and with good, loving communication to your current church family. But, if your local church family is faithful to Jesus and His Word, covenant and commit to your church family even during the tough and dry seasons. The longer you stay involved in your church, the greater influence and impact you will have for long term health in yourself, your family, and your church.
I have been as a portent to many, but you are my strong refuge.
—Psalm 71:7
Read Your Bible. Life is hard. Satan is real. You need God’s strength, power, and truth. I’ve been shocked at how many Christians have never read their Bibles, they are missing out! Start now or begin again. Just one chapter per weekday will carry you through the New Testament in a year!
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. … and take … the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
—Ephesians 6:10, 17
Enjoy Jesus. John Piper explains that "the essence of evil is to lose a taste for God...to prefer anything more than God." Don’t fall into that trap of the devil. Jesus is enough. Start and finish your days with Him and pray throughout your day. Life can be disappointing, but Jesus will never disappoint you if you belong to Him.
And my tongue will talk of your righteous help all the day long, for they have been put to shame and disappointed who sought to do me hurt.
—Psalm 71:24