Question: I thought that after my children were grown and had moved out of the house, 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. God can use these and other challenges of midlife to slow us down and help us to take stock of our lives and our priorities. In the process, His desire is that we will turn to Him as the ever-present help He has promised to be (Psalm 46:1).
As at every other stage of life, God will help you and equip you to meet these new challenges. He promises, “He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength” (Isaiah 40:29). The strength He provides at midlife is often through the maturity and wisdom gained through experience. He wants you to continue to 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 (Proverbs 3:5–6; James 1:5). 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 and concerns to Him in prayer to receive His strength and guidance, you may feel like you don’t know where to start. Here are some simple steps: Tell God you’re making room for Him, and He will meet you there (James 4:8). Talk with Him, as you would talk with a friend. Spend time studying the Bible and consider how to apply the principles of His Word. Take time every day for prayer, communion with God, and to study His Word and you will find that your relationship with Him will grow stronger.
Midlife done that way can be the happiest and most fulfilling stage of life that you have yet experienced!
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One bedrock Bible promise that makes a wonderful point of reference during midlife is found in Romans 8:28: “All things work together for good to those who love God” (NKJV). If you love God and know how much He loves you, then you can be sure that He has your best interests at heart and wants to use even the challenges that come with midlife to help you to grow in your faith. You will then be able to see your life through the eyes of faith, looking not at the difficulties, but at the new possibilities you know He will open for you.—Maria Fontaine