Do Wrinkles Hurt?

Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come. Psalm 71:18

I noticed my fingers drawn to the same place on my wrist every day as I worked. It was unconscious at the beginning; I was rubbing the area without noticing I was even doing it. However, the action became so frequent I had to stop and ask myself what was going on. Yes, there was a mild pain, really more of a discomfort. But it was relentless.

Do wrinkles hurt?

I investigated the place on my wrist clamoring for attention and saw no sores or bug bites. There was no unbecoming rash of any sort to fret about. However, I was appalled to notice two new wrinkles. Deep grooves in my skin where time was making its mark on me. At first I was alarmed and instantly wanted to Google a cure for these unwanted characteristics. Nobody had told me wrinkles would hurt.

What does God say about getting older?

But what if these wrinkles are part of my testimony? Perhaps, as I rubbed these deep, well-earned grooves, I could remember all that God has done for me? Just like the Psalmist in Psalm 71, I do not need to be put to shame (vs 1) because of a life well lived.

As I faced another birthday last month, I had a choice to make. I could either fret about future signs of aging, or I could celebrate my years as a living testimony. Remembering a lifetime lived with God, gives credence to my wrinkles.

Should I be tempted again to Google cures to the effects of aging, I will first give thanks to God for the many times He has seen me through troubles. I will remember how often He has restored my life from the depths of the earth. And I will thank Him for the honor of bearing these deep grooves, and for comforting me once again.

Heavenly Father, I will praise you for your faithfulness, I will sing praise to you, Holy One of Israel. My lips shall shout for joy when I sing praise to you. I want to be a living testimony of your goodness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Relevant Bible Verses

Psalm 71:20-21 – Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once more.

Psalm 106:25-26 – They grumbled in their tents and did not obey the LORD. So he swore to them with uplifted hand that he would make them fall in the wilderness.

Reflect and Respond

How can we lean into God as we age, trusting that every day matters, from our first to our last?

Read Psalm 71 and make a list of ways God has been your consistent help in the past.

Why does complaining make God angry?

Related Resources

One of my favorite old hymns is Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing. This hymn can help us tune our hearts to sing of the never-ceasing grace and mercy of our Lord.

I found this devotion from Dayspring to also be encouraging in the light of aging. I enjoyed seeing how they use the verses from Titus to tell us what God has to say about aging.