God’s Word for Today by Ole Kristian Hallesby (1879–1961)

September 8. “Now lettest thou thy servant depart, Lord, according to thy word, in peace; for mine eyes have seen thy salvation.” Luke 2:29–30 (KJV)

It is not easy to grow old.

Then one has reached the days of which it is written: “I have no pleasure in them.” Old age is without a doubt the hardest class of all in the school of God. The trials of old age are both numerous and great.

My believing old friend, you who have reached this class, may I extend my good wishes to you? You have almost finished the course and kept the faith. What a victory!

Your life is moving in a small circle now, and your labors are not of far-reaching consequence. You are fortunate, you who have employed your powers unto the glory of God. You are doubly fortunate, you who submit graciously to God now also, when He permits old age to deprive you of your physical and mental powers.

It is grace from God to be permitted to use one’s powers unto the glory of God. But it is twofold grace from God to be able to relinquish one’s powers in faith and to say gratefully: “The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord!”

There is a sacred halo of glorious beauty about those old folk who have gained the victory in the battle with old age and can pass their declining years in happiness. They have conquered! Not merely given in, resigned, to old age.

They are no longer offended when reminded of their age. Nor do they continually find fault with the times and with the young people. They realize that they cannot follow along with the times.

And still there is not the atmosphere of hopelessness about them.

They have been saved by the grace of God, and by the faithfulness of God they have been led from childhood to the gray hairs of old age. With courageous hearts they are prepared to meet the final enemy in His name.

And pass through death into life!

Ordained Servant Online, November–December, 2026