At Midlife, Is This As Good As It Gets?

God wants to equip you to meet these new challenges.

Question: I thought that after my children were grown and gone I would finally have time to do some things I’ve always wanted to do, but now I find that I’m worn out by the end of the day and tired when the weekend comes around. Is it all downhill from here?

Answer: Midlife requires some adjustments, but no, it’s not all downhill. The decline in physical stamina is natural and part of God’s plan. He uses these and other challenges of midlife to slow us down and get us to take stock of our lives and our priorities. He’s hoping, of course, that we will turn to Him in the process so He can be the ever-present help He wants to be.

As at every other stage, God wants to equip you to meet these new challenges. He promises, “As your days, so shall your strength be.” The strength He provides at midlife is the maturity that you have gained through experience. He wants you to further develop that strength of spirit and character, and you do that by involving Him more in your thoughts and daily activities. As for goals and priorities, He will help you sort those out too. If you will look to Him for guidance, He will give it to you. He may even help you find ways to do some of those things you’ve always wanted to do, and strengthen you accordingly.

If you aren’t in the habit of taking your problems to Him in prayer and receiving His solutions and strength in return, you may feel like you don’t know where to start, but it’s really quite simple: Tell God you’re making room for Him, and He will meet you there. Talk with Him, as you would with a friend. Then, like a muscle, your relationship with Him will grow stronger through daily use.

Midlife done that way can be the happiest and most fulfilling stage of life that you have yet experienced!

—

Psalm 46:1 (ESV) God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV) Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

James 1:5 (ESV) If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.