A
daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and
exhortation.
Tuesday,
August 17,
2021
"When the Grinders
Cease"
"Remember
your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of
trouble come and the years approach when you will say, "I
find no pleasure in them'" (Ecclesiastes 12:1).
Several
weeks ago I was eating a peach (as I recall) and felt like a
bit of the pit had broken off in my mouth so I spit it out.
Then I discovered it wasn't the pit but a tooth had fallen
out! I quickly reached into the trash to recover the broken
tooth but apart from have having a gaping space in the
middle of my lower teeth I had no pain. Now truth be told I
was already missing a molar in the back but have managed
without it, but this was a lower front tooth so it was quite
obvious when I talked to others. I put if off for awhile but
yesterday Brooksyne emphatically said, "CALL THE DENTIST!!!"
(I guess she was tired of me having a hillbilly look.)So I
called and they got me right in and yesterday morning I
visited Dr. Dinse, my long-time dentist. He glued the tooth
back in (although I am sure that's not the official dental
term). He told me he hoped it would get me another couple
hundred thousand miles.
In
Ecclesiastes 12:2-5 Solomon writes about the changes that
come to those enduring old age with a colorful litany of the
impact of aging. One phrase applicable to my experience
states, "when the grinders cease because they are few"
(v.3). Or as one version states, "Your
teeth will fall out so you cannot chew" (NCV).
We heard Brad
Mullen preach an excellent message from Ecclesiastes 12
several weeks ago and I suppose, due to our own aging, it
seemed very applicable. Here's a list of aging afflictions
from these verses; Sense of despair (v.2), Weak arms
and legs (v.3), Failing teeth (v.3), Failing eyesight (v.3),
Failing hearing (v.4), Fears (v.5), White hair (v.5),
Difficulty walking (v.5), No appetite/desires (v.5).
In this final
chapter of Ecclesiastes Solomon, who experientially knows
the effects of aging reaches deep and again expresses the
faith of his youth. He acknowledges the trouble that
inevitably is a part of life and even the cynicism that many
experience with increasing age.
Today's text
begins the chapter and it seems to me the text is actually
directed to the younger folks, "Remember
your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of
trouble come and the years approach when you will say, 'I
find no pleasure in them'".
The Life
Application study note treats this verse:
“A
life without God can produce a bitter, lonely, and hopeless
old age. A life centered around God is fulfilling; it
will make the “days of trouble” – when disabilities,
sickness, and handicaps cause barriers to enjoying life –
satisfying because of the hope of eternal life. Being young
is exciting, but the excitement of youth can become a
barrier to closeness with God if it makes young people focus
on passing pleasures instead of eternal values. Make your
strength available to God when it is still yours – during
your youthful years. Don’t waste it on evil or meaningless
activities that become bad habits and make you callous. Seek
God now.”
Remembering
our Creator is a timeless call to all regardless of age. The
best decision you can make early in life is to remember your
Creator. Many can reflect upon that decision
as they age with gratitude. But you
can remember your Creator at any time in life even in old
age.
I know many who have remembered their Creator and have done so throughout their lives even into their senior years. They're not cynical, even amidst the inevitable effects of aging, they rejoice in God's love and provision. They demonstrate a great spiritual maxim: obedience brings blessing.
Just begin to
consider your blessings as you purposefully, "remember
your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of
trouble come and the years approach when you will say, 'I
find no pleasure in them'” (Ecclesiastes 12:10).
Be encouraged today, (Hebrews 3:13)
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily
prayer: Father, we who have received Christ
early in our young years are grateful for the solid
and lasting foundation we’re building that will
provide comfort, solidity, and needed perspective
when we approach the golden years of our life here
on earth. The older we get the more this earth and
all that it has to offer grows dimmer while the
lights of glory grow ever brighter. When we consider
our nation's troubles, trouble throughout the world
and our own personal troubles we will find peace,
comfort and hope when we fix our eyes on the eternal
city not built with human hands but fashioned and
designed by the Builder of the Ages. Keep us true
Lord Jesus, for there’s a race to be run and there
are many victories to be won in every season of life
on this side of heaven. We can be victorious through
Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Be encouraged today, (Hebrews 3:13)
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily
prayer: Father, we who have received Christ
early in our young years are grateful for the solid
and lasting foundation we’re building that will
provide comfort, solidity, and needed perspective
when we approach the golden years of our life here
on earth. The older we get the more this earth and
all that it has to offer grows dimmer while the
lights of glory grow ever brighter. When we consider
our nation's troubles, trouble throughout the world
and our own personal troubles we will find peace,
comfort and hope when we fix our eyes on the eternal
city not built with human hands but fashioned and
designed by the Builder of the Ages. Keep us true
Lord Jesus, for there’s a race to be run and there
are many victories to be won in every season of life
on this side of heaven. We can be victorious through
Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.Today's
Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources
"The
Longer I Serve Him" Video Bill Gaither
"When
the Grinders Cease" When the body fails
and the eyes grow dim, we start evaluating our
lives. That’s what King Solomon did, and here is
his conclusion. Interesting study
This evening we pick up Ester at BWI
after a several weeks of visiting her aunt and
boyfriend in Texas so Brooksyne has her welcome
home greeting ready.
Finally
today:
Our border collie, Mollie, loves
when you throw the rings to her so she can run
and catch them. But if she has no one to throw
them to her she manages to throw them up in
the air and catch them all by herself!
Send
a message to Stephen
& Brooksyne
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Weber".Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. and the King James Version.
Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."
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