Bible Verses to Comfort You When You’re Getting Old

Though in the beginning, the human body was created to last forever, because of sin it begins to die the moment a person is born. It has become just a temporary “tent” (2 Corinthians 5:1) that God gives us to inhabit during our sojourn here on planet Earth. For those granted longevity, getting old is a normal part of life, albeit a challenging one that can bring frustrating changes to your mind and body (Ecclesiastes 12:2-3).

You may also experience loneliness as friends and family members die or move away or feel frustrated by the need to become dependent on others, but God promises to always be at your side, helping you and taking care of you every step of the way (Isaiah 46:4).

As you pass through the aging process, you may find your fears of the unknown and of losing control growing stronger. Truth is, whether you realize it or not, you’ve never been in control. You’ve relied on God for every breath. Getting old helps us gradually shed the illusion of control we had when we were younger and start resting more on the promises of God.

Submission to God’s divine will is the softest pillow on which to rest. – Nathaniel William Taylor

Give thanks each morning for the gift of a new day—even when it doesn’t feel like a gift. Learn to trust God’s sovereignty and the goodness of His plan for your life (Jeremiah 29:11). He created the blueprint for it long before you were born, and your days were numbered in His book from the beginning of time (Psalm 139:16). You are here for a reason. There is yet a purpose for you to fulfill. Lean into God and trust that every day matters.

Despite the changing circumstances and expectations that are part of the aging process, God wants you to continue living a productive life. He wants you to bear fruit even in your old age (Psalm 92:12-14). Gray hair is often accorded profound respect in the Bible. It is considered an honor to be desired and appreciated. Old people are to be valued. They are to be respected because of the wisdom and experience they have accumulated (Proverbs 16:31; 20:29; Job 12:12).

Godly wisdom needs to be shared with those around you in need of hope and encouragement. Be always on the lookout for Divine appointments, and seek opportunities to share your testimony, what you have learned from your experiences, and the ways God has worked in your life.

Be a mentor to those still growing and learning. Make Psalm 71:18 your prayer: “Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, until I proclaim Your power to the next generation, Your might to all who are to come.”

Commit each day into God’s hands and look for things to be grateful for. If you look carefully, you will find them. Practice countering negative thoughts with “yes, but…” statements. Look for blessings such as freedom from the responsibilities you once had, and the time to pursue hobbies or learn something new. Take the focus off yourself and look for someone you can be a blessing to.

Be an encourager; practice random acts of kindness; take someone a meal; if you have a special talent, find a group to teach it to; become a volunteer; read stories to children at the library or in a school. These are only a few suggestions. You can probably produce many more. God gives us specific gifts to share in whatever season of life we may be in (Titus 2:3-5). Find what yours are and use them for His glory.

Getting old can be a time of growing closer to Jesus. If you have accepted His gift of salvation and made Him Lord of your life, you have something to look forward to – the promise of eternal life in Heaven when you die.

1 Peter 1:3-4 says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By His great mercy, He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you,”

This world is not our home. We are just passing through, and the discomforts we experience as we age are only temporary. The Lord has promised to renew our strength (Isaiah 40:31; 2 Corinthians 4:16-17).

Turning your focus to a future in Heaven where there is no more death, sorrow, or pain (Revelation 21:4) can help make your present burdens easier to bear. 1 Corinthians 2:9 tells us that “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.”

15 Verses to Encourage You When You’re Getting Old

Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is dismantled, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. – 2 Corinthians 5:1

Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of adversity come and the years approach of which you will say, “I find no pleasure in them.” – Ecclesiastes 12:1

Someday the light of the sun and the moon and the stars will all seem dim to you. Rain clouds will remain over your head. Your body will grow feeble, your teeth will decay, and your eyesight fail. – Ecclesiastes 12:2-3

Even when you are old, I will be the same. Even when your hair has turned gray, I will take care of you. I made you and will take care of you. I will carry you and save you. – Isaiah 46:4

You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. – Psalm 139:16

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope. – Jeremiah 29:11

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. – Psalm 73:26

Those who know Your name trust in You, for You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you. – Psalm 9:10

But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31

Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison. So, we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. – 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever. –
Revelation 21:4

Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is attained along the path of righteousness. – Proverbs 16:31

The glory of young men is their strength, and gray hair is the splendor of the old. – Proverbs 20:29

Wisdom is found with the elderly and understanding comes with long life. – Job 12:12

The righteous will flourish like a palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. In old age they will still bear fruit; healthy and green they will remain, – Psalm 92:12-14

Christian Counseling for Seniors

If you feel you need help navigating your way through the process of getting old than what this article has provided, feel free to contact me or one of the other counselors in the online counselor directory. We are available to help support and encourage you on your journey, using Christian perspectives. You don’t have to go it alone.