“Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come.” ~ Proverbs 31:25, NKJV
“Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future.” ~Proverbs 31:25, NASB
Yesterday I reached the “halfway mark.” I turned 40.
But rather than feeling “old and tired,” and mourning my advancing age and the passage of time, I anticipate with excitement what the Lord has planned for me.
I know there are many changes and challenges in the future, looming up ahead. I can either shrink back in fear of the unknown, or I can put my trust in a faithful and loving Heavenly Father, who will carry me through the difficulties and shower me with His peace and joy no matter what comes.
My life scripture verse has always been Proverbs 3:5. And I really like verses 6-8, too.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes, fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones.”
I found my first grey hair when I was about 35. I felt tired and worn, and I was starting to dread getting older. I think it was around this time that I began having a sort of “mid-life crisis.” I felt like so much of my life was already over, and what had I accomplished that was of any value? (I know now that raising children and keeping a home is of very great value.)
And then, providentially, the Lord brought this book into my life:
The Best Half of Life, by Ray and Anne Ortlund, encouraged me that I have so much to look forward to! In Christ, every day can be a new beginning, and I always have reason to hope and live joyfully.
“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.” ~2 Corinthians 4:16, ESV
Although I am proactively doing as much as I can to stay in the very best shape possible, we cannot hold off every symptom of aging forever. Eventually, our outer self wastes away. But the good news is that our inner self can be renewed day by day, meaning it just gets better and better as we become more like Jesus!
This beautiful Dayspring vase was one of my birthday gifts from dear friends.
“…It’s never too late to start living. Michaelangelo began building St. Peter’s Cathedral at 76. Verdi was nearly 70 when he composed his ‘Te Deum.’ Grandma Moses started painting when she was 78. Tennyson was writing his greatest lines at 83! The thing is, have you gotten going yet in life? If not, why not now?” ~Ray and Anne Ortlund
Life doesn’t slow down as children get older. If anything, it speeds up! Teenagers bring late-night conversations, hilarity, parties, and emotions. Some days my time seems to dwindle away as I take care of home and family needs. I’m much more aware of wasted time as I get older.
“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, for the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” ~Ephesians 5:15-17
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” ~Ephesians 2:10
“We shall have all eternity to celebrate the victories, but we have only the few hours before sunset in which to win them.” ~Amy Carmichael
I’m determined to live life to the fullest through Jesus Christ! Turning 40 has only increased my desire for living well and making the most of this short life.
I encourage you that no matter how old you are today, you can begin to live for Jesus and make the most of the life you’ve been blessed with. You can start fresh today!
“The truest lengthening of life is to live while we live, wasting no time but using every hour for the highest ends. So be it this day.” ~C.H. Spurgeon
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOY!!
You definitely have the right attitude. I am also more cognizant of how quickly time goes by and whether or not I'm using my time wisely. I also had a birthday (and wedding anniversary) on the 15th – – feeling fine at 49. (: May God continue to bless you!
Mitzi
Thank you, Mitzi! And Happy Birthday to you, also!
Happy birthday! It seems like yesterday that I came over to help you with your new baby! Of course, Tyler was maybe 5 or 6 then, and he is 22! You are wise to enjoy each day, as time does fly by! Bless you and your family!
Thank you, Traci! Wow, that does seem like yesterday, doesn't it?! And I can't imagine Tyler being 22! Love and miss you! ♥
Dear Joy,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! <3 I hope you had a blessed day, but I am sure that your husband and children made sure of that. 🙂 Your roses are beautiful.
Your life verse is the very first verse I memorized. 🙂
I have read several of Anne Ortlund's books, but not that one. I'll see if my library has it.
Love,
Carol
Thank you, Carol! I did have a wonderful birthday. I think it was the best one I've had in years–or maybe ever! 🙂 I really like that book, and it's a quick read. Hope you can find it! 🙂
And how neat that my verse is the one you memorized first! ♥
I started feeling like I was getting old just recently and I am just shy of 33! I think this is in due of health problems that I never had until now. My faith has grown stronger because of this and I know to put my trust in Him.
Happy Birthday, Joy, and may there be many more blessings in your future!
Thank you, Sara! I totally agree that health problems can make you feel older. I think that was part of my difficulty in my 30's also. But it does draw you closer to the Lord to feel so dependent on Him. Thanks again for your sweet words! ♥
So beautiful Joy! Happy Birthday! <3
Thank you, Tabitha! ♥