Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.

(Isaiah 46:4, NIV)

Three sisters — ages 92, 94, and 96 — lived together in the same house. One night, the 96-year-old went to draw a bath. She put one foot in, paused, and yelled downstairs, “Was I getting in or out of the bath?”

The 94-year-old shouted back, “I don’t know!  I’ll come see.”  As she began climbing the stairs, she paused and called out, “Was I going up or down?”

The 92-year-old sat at the kitchen table, sipping tea and shaking her head. “I hope I never get that forgetful,” she muttered.  She knocked on wood for good measure. Then, getting up, she said, “I’ll come help both of you — as soon as I see who’s at the door.”

Unfortunately, aging is full of moments like these.  As we grow older, we often forget things, lose energy, or need more help than we used to. But growing older doesn’t mean we’ve been forgotten.

In Isaiah 46, God offers a beautiful promise to those in their later years: “Even to your old age and gray hairs….I will carry you; I will sustain you.”  What an incredible reminder that God never stops walking with us – even when we begin to slow down.  In fact, his care grows even more tender as our strength fades.

No matter how old you may be, your value hasn’t diminished in God’s eyes.  He still has a purpose for you.  Whether you’re teaching younger generations, offering words of encouragement, or praying faithfully over your loved ones, your life matters deeply in his plan. 

As long as we continue to grow in grace, wisdom, and love, forgetful moments and creaky knees can’t erase the fact that we are still God’s beloved children.

So, whether you’re 26 or 96, take this to heart — God hasn’t forgotten you. He’s still carrying you, sustaining you, and shaping you for eternity.

Prayer: Father, thank you for walking with me through every stage of life.  Thank you for your faithful presence — even when my memory fails or my steps slow down. Help me to keep growing in faith and grace, trusting that you are always holding me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Alan Smith
Reprinted with permission from Alan Smith’s Thought For the Day