UNDPREPARED ◽ ENCOURAGEMENT
Fear
by Marcy Lytle
Fear is not a problem for some people, and I envy those people. But they’re few and far between. My husband was a no-fear person. However, as we get older it seems there are “new fears” we never had when we were younger. And if we’re not careful and aware, these fears can become crippling. And I don’t believe that’s how we are supposed to live as we grow older in this world in which we live!
Eyesight – I just knew I would need a prescription when I had my very first eye exam a few months ago. I’d just always worn 2.5 readers for years and they served me well, except now at night. Street signs were a little blurry. I found out I only needed to add a 1.5 reader to keep in my car, and my car driving eyesight would be fine. My point is…maybe you just need an exam or a small adjustment, to continue going out in the evenings. Or…find a friend who’s confident…and ride with her. But don’t stay shut in and alone.
Loneliness – A real fear for those who live alone, but it’s one for everyone as they age and their connections grow smaller. Retirement, loss of friends, and just fear…crippling fear…keeps us in the dark and away from connections. It’s a real battle and we often need a friend to help us through this fear. And our Lord promised that we would never be alone. I believe he hears our cries for friends and we don’t have to be alone. Call that person, even if it’s a young friend decades below you in years.
Or one who is older. Meet up and offer encouragement. Sit in the library or public places and watch people, so you’re not alone. Let others know you’re lonely, and then be pleasant to be around, when friends come calling. Loneliness is a killer. So don’t let it stay.
Falling – I know people become afraid of falling as we age, and media and commercials don’t help. However, it’s a reality as we age because maybe our steps aren’t as sure. Quit wearing heels, and only choose sneakers when walking outside. Get some cute ones, if that makes you feel better! We can make sure our feet don’t shuffle, but we indeed pick them up. We can walk with a friend or a neighbor, or even take a walking stick. I have a few friends that do this, as they are approaching older years. Hold carts when we shop and all the way to the car. No one wants to fall. No one.
Death – Maybe we fear the death of a loved one or our own death. Psalm 23 says he walks us through the shadow of death. We won’t be stuck there. It’s a fact (as my son reminded me) that most everyone will be alone at the end of life, or leave someone behind alone. And death is inevitable. Knowing Jesus ensures us that there is no fear after death, and knowing Him ensures us of His hand holding us if others die around us. Young and old, alike, leave this earth at all different times. And death is not a foe. Life is a gift. We must believe, grieve, believe again, and always hope. Jesus is our Hope.
Loss of identity – This is a big one. As we age, we find ourselves among a group and listen to them ask their peers what they do, how many children they have, etc. and we don’t hear anyone asking us what we do or anything about us. It seems the world thinks aging folks have no life. We do! We are interesting! And even if we live in a youth-focused world, we can be kind, ask others about themselves, and give always. And then sit at the feet of Jesus to find our identity in Him. That’s the only one that matters, anyway. And when we are always full of who we are in Christ, it won’t sting so much when others don’t focus on who we are.
Do I do all of the above? No. It’s a struggle. But I refuse to let fear dominate my days, and it’s a reality of aging. Fear of all sorts of new things we were so confident in as we were younger. I’m finding that the real strength to face fear only comes through the Word, studying it, realizing who God is, and resting in that knowledge. The knowledge that he is for me and not against me, with me and will never leave me, and has a hope and a future for me as long as I breathe. And fear is not in that future…we need to encourage all of ourselves and say it often. He is with us, His hand is upon us from the time we are a child to the last days on this earth. And his care never wanes…even though our bodies and eyes might slow down…there’s the same shepherd’s care for us and His watchful eye…always. That’s the truth.