LifeDate Fall 2025 – Life … as We Age
by Deaconess Janet Nicol, Word of Hope
Ah, the curious journey of our bodies through time—a topic that seems to unite us all, doesn’t it? I’ve had countless conversations with friends, young and old, where we all chuckle and groan about how our bodies seem to have a mind of their own. You know the feeling, waking up with a mysterious ache in your knee or a back that protests every time you bend down to tie your shoelaces. And let’s not forget the perpetual cold that seems to settle in as we age, much like King David’s struggle to stay warm despite layers of clothing. Why is that detail in Scripture in 1 Kings 1:1? Perhaps to remind us that we’re not alone in this.
But what is it about our bodies that stirs such deep reflection? When faced with illness, disability, or simply the ticking clock of age, we often spiral into a mix of self-blame, genetic curiosity, and, sometimes, a touch of resignation. Did I do something wrong? Did my parents? We dig into the mysteries of genetics like detectives in search of the culprit for our sagging skin or stubborn joints.
In our pursuit of bodily perfection—or at least improvement—we might fall into a trap. Do we idolize the idea of a flawless body, sculpted by diet and exercise (or even surgery)? There’s a temptation to think of our bodies as temporary vessels, ready to be traded in for a better model. “Why bother?” some might say, embracing a kind of existential shrug. But is that really what we’re meant to feel?
And then there’s the trauma, the hidden scars that lead us to mistreat our bodies as a coping mechanism. We may push ourselves too hard, or not at all, lost in a cycle of self-abuse that only deepens the wounds.
Yet, in all of these thoughts, there’s a deeper truth to be found—a reminder that our bodies, despite their flaws and failures, are gifts from God. They are not mistakes to be corrected or disposable shells. They are part of us, to be nurtured and respected even as we acknowledge their inevitable decline. Yes, sin has left its mark, but our worth is not diminished by the wear and tear. Scripture doesn’t shy away from aging. Psalm 71:9 says:
“Do not cast me off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength is spent.”
Rather, as we age, Scripture encourages us not to mourn our bodies but to find purpose in them. Psalm 92:14-15 speaks of bearing fruit in old age, a reminder that our value isn’t tied to youthful vigor:
“They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, to declare that the Lord is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.”
We are sustained by God alone, and in that sustenance, we find the strength to serve others, whether from a wheelchair, a hospital bed, or any place we might find ourselves.
In Christ, we see the ultimate embodiment of this truth. His body, like ours, was subject to the trials of life and the finality of death. Yet, in His resurrection, we see our future: a reunion with our bodies, transformed but undeniably ours. This is our hope and our call to honor the bodies we’ve been given—not just in life and death, but in the promise of what’s to come. As Isaiah 46:4 promises:
“Even to your old age I am he … I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.”
So, let’s embrace the aging journey with gratitude. After we repent of our disordered bodily thoughts and receive the forgiveness freely given by our Lord, through His death and resurrection and by His good gifts of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, let’s care for these bodies and use them to serve and love those around us. In doing so, we honor the gift we’ve been given and the One who carries us through every stage of life.