Page 126 - Grace150 Devotional

The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation. Exodus 15:2
Even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I
will bear; I will carry and will save. Isaiah 46:4

For many years we regularly visited relatives and friends in nursing homes.
Often we felt the sorrow and confusion in their eyes. We learned their history
and noted their challenges: some were bedfast, some had no one who checked
on them, and some were in physical pain, or mental or emotional turmoil. Their
circumstances made it difficult to talk with them.
But we also observed how our elderly loved ones responded to both Scripture and
music. It was striking, and reassuring. Can you guess their sweet response to Psalm
23 and John 3:16? Familiar verses would bring a smile, a nod, and sometimes they
recited along from memory. Hymns like “The Old Rugged Cross” and “Blessed
Assurance” would often inspire these loved ones to hum or sing along.
A few years ago we read in Billy Graham’s book Nearing Home about his struggles
with aging. He said, “It was a big surprise how difficult it is to grow older.” We
know the years ahead for us may bring unwanted difficulties. But we rest assured
that God will keep His promise not to pass us by, nor leave us alone in our decline.
Each day may we “turn our eyes upon Jesus,” and stand firm in the belief that
none of life’s struggles will be in vain.
Thank You, loving Father for the ability to sing and to give praise in our spirits
as we await our heavenly reward for trusting the salvation offered to all who
accept Christ’s sacrifice on the cross to redeem and to save. We have much to
sing about!
– Judy & John Fisher

DAY 119 grace 150