Seniors of faith have likely experienced the value of Bible study and Scripture throughout their lives. Whether you remember your years in Sunday school fondly or you're just starting to dig more into God's word during retirement, consider the benefits of selecting theme Scriptures to support certain days, weeks or even seasons.
2 Timothy 3: 16, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness." Because Paul wrote this particular epistle to Timothy, who was a young man being mentored by the older apostle, it's common to mostly apply some of the lessons from the letter to younger people. However, when Paul said all Scripture is good for these things, he didn't put an age limit on that truth.
You can use Scripture to continue to learn, for self-correction and to help yourself walk the path God has lit before you — regardless of what season of life you're in.
In fact, it can help to connect with a specific Scripture that's relevant to your walk and struggle at any given point in life. You might, for example, find a verse that resonates with you today or this week or one that abides with you as you go through a particular journey. By reading, meditating on, praying about and digging into a specific Scripture in each season, you can increase your understanding of God's word and what it means for your life.
One Scripture seniors might want to consider during retirement is Psalm 100. Let's dig a bit deeper into this popular selection. If you think you don't know it, you might be surprised — it's inspired many classic worship songs and hymns through the years.
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! (Psalm 100:1-2, ESV)
Psalm 100 starts with celebration and praise. It reminds the reader to worship the Lord with joy by using the illustration of music. A joyful noise calls to mind an orchestra or choir sending sweet notes up in worship. If you're not a musician or singer, don't worry. While making that joyful noise is certainly appropriate, this is more a metaphor for our hearts and the way we enter into communion with God.
For older adults, the first few verses of this Psalm are a reminder and rallying call. It's easy to get caught up in the here and now, and the world can be a stressful place. If you're facing obstacles in retirement or finding health or other issues are derailing your plans for these years, Psalm 100:1-2 reminds you to break away from those struggles to spend some time with the Lord and in the joy of worshipping him.
Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his, we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. (Psalm 100:3, ESV)
When you step into that worship mode, take time to consider who God really is. Isaiah tells us that God's understanding is unsearchable, and Job tells us that the truth of God exists beyond what we can ever imagine. But despite that, the Bible is very clear on some facets of God, and adults of faith can take comfort in the fact that God made them and calls them his own.
No matter what age you are or where you live, you ultimately reside in the flock of God. One way to strengthen this hope in yourself is to surround yourself with other believers on a regular basis. Consider, for example, the benefits of choosing a faith-based assisted living community where you can live a vibrant and active life alongside other sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! (Psalm 100:4, ESV)
As the psalmist prepares to close Psalm 100, he reminds the reader about the importance of gratitude. Modern science has slowly warmed up to the idea of gratitude. For example, studies indicate that regularly journaling about gratitude can increase someone's overall positive thinking by up to 15% and sleep quality by 25%.
Whether you spend time each day in thankful prayer or literally write thank-you notes to God in a notebook, expressing gratitude to the Lord can strengthen your faith and reduce issues such as fatigue and burnout.
For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. (Psalm 100:5, ESV)
The psalmist ends with this familiar refrain, which is repeated in other parts of the Scriptures. For adults in retirement, this verse can be a sweet reminder of the everlasting love of God and the saving power of grace, which knows no demographic bounds.
