My husband and I both have taught the Bible in various nursing homes for more than 25 years. For the past 6 or 7 years we have been blessed to teach a weekly bible study with saints who have been walking with our Lord for decades. The majority of them are in their nineties. I have gleaned much from spending time with them. The one main lesson they have taught me is this:
Set You mind on things above and not on the earth.
There is much upheaval, grief and sorrow in each of the lives of these precious saints, and yet they do not allow themselves to dwell there. They are not tossed about by what life throws at them. They acknowledge their grief, but like the Psalmist they find their solace in God and in His word. It IS their meditation day and night.
Oh Father...teach me to number my days that I might gain a heart of wisdom. You, who are from everlasting to everlasting are my dwelling place. Life as this Psalm reminds me is brief, and I am very frail. Death is sure and certain.
Oh Lord, make me to know my end and what is the measure of my days, so that I may know how very frail I am. Keep me from “busying” myself in vain...focus my heart, mind and soul on You and on You alone. Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things and revive me in Your way. Help me to choose daily, like Mary, the better part...the part which will never be taken from me. Satisfy my heart with Your merciful Presence that I may rejoice and be glad all of my days. Let Your work be shown to me and Your glorious power to my children’s children. Oh Lord, the approval of man is worthless. I want Your delight and Your approval for it is only by Your mercy and grace that my life can have value, significance and meaning. Let Your favor, then...your beauty, Father, be upon me, and establish the work of my hands.
And now, Lord, what do I wait for?
My hope is in You.—Psalm 39:7
One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple.—Psalms 27:4, ESV
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.—1 Corinthians 15:58, ESV
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