The psalms are widely read for encouragement thanks to their many uplifting verses. However, seniors of faith who dig deeper into the book's contents will find many psalms also contain enriching lessons that can help strengthen their personal walk with the Lord, including these examples.
They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. Psalm 1:3 (NLT)
The first psalm fittingly illustrates for believers the rich reward of focusing on God's commandments and prioritizing His will above all else. In the same way, a tree firmly rooted beside a stream is constantly nourished and strengthened, seniors who follow God are assured that He will bless them with His strength and protection in each season of their lives.
This includes their time spent in our assisted living communities, where seniors can participate in scheduled worship services designed to nourish their faith and connect with peers who share an interest in learning more about God and His word.
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 (NLT)
Jesus tells us that our conversations and actions reveal what is stored up in our hearts, whether good or bad, just like a tree's fruit reflects its true condition (Luke 6:45).
As Christians, we seek to imitate our Lord Jesus and produce good fruit that leads others to Christ.
Through Paul's letters, we know that the fruits of God's Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
Due to our human nature, it's natural for seniors of faith to fall short of the perfect example given to us by Jesus. Physical hardships, such as fatigue, pain and chronic illnesses, which older adults often experience on a daily basis, can make it especially hard to display the fruit of the Spirit all the time.
In Psalm 19, David offers a lesson in how to respond to these failings through prayer and repentance so that seniors can continue experiencing the joy of walking in the abundant life (John 10:10) promised to God's followers.
Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. Psalm 23:4 (NLT)
One of the most known and beloved psalms of all time is also packed with life lessons. In just six short verses, its author David teaches us the key to contentment is trusting in God's provision (verse 1), that God guides and strengthens His followers by walking with them (verses 3 and 4) and that believers will experience God's love and goodness both in this life and the next (verse 6).
O LORD, I give my life to you. Psalm 25:1 (NLT)
Called the man after God's own heart, David pours out his prayers in many of the psalms he wrote, including Psalm 25. In a prayer of repentance, the psalmist admits his failings and pleads for God's mercy. He also humbly asks for God to teach him right from wrong and guide him on the right path to follow in his life.
Even if seniors have been following God for many years, they, like David, may still struggle with memories of mistakes they've made throughout their life. However, Psalm 25 shows us that God is a friend to those who acknowledge His lordship (verse 14) and that He is loving and faithful in His dealings with them.
Regardless of past sins, seniors of faith are given the assurance God has forgiven them and will rescue them when they call for help.
But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign LORD my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do. Psalm 73:28 (NLT)
The Bible never shies away from difficult topics. In Psalm 73, Asaph openly shares how close he came to losing his faith when he felt that life was unfair.
He goes on to explain that he frequently witnessed wicked people prosper while he and others that tried to follow God were plagued by problems and hardships. In a brutally honest testimony, Asaph admitted to becoming bitter and jealous until he went to God in prayer and asked for understanding.
It was in God's sanctuary that Asaph realized the wicked may prosper for a short time, but they ultimately face eternal punishment. In contrast, believers have the guarantee that God Himself is holding their hand and leading them on a path in life that will result in an eternity spent in His loving presence.
Though it can be difficult to deal with our emotions when faced with the seeming unfairness of life, seniors can trust that God's plan for them and the entire world is carefully designed to bring individuals to repentance and save them from their sins (Isaiah 55:6-11).
