The Wrinkles Of Our Souls

In today’s society, many folks are trying to reverse the aging process. Those with wrinkles get face lifts, while others have injections to remove unwanted facial lines. Behind this current trend is the notion that an aging face is unacceptable.

But not everyone feels that way. An elderly woman being interviewed on television was asked, “Do you like your face?” She responded with conviction, “I love my face! It’s the face God gave me, and I accept it happily.”

In Psalm 139:1-24, David expressed the conviction that his entire being was fashioned by God and therefore is worthy of acceptance. He prayed, “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14). He also believed that God fashioned all the days of his life (Psalm 139:16).

Instead of fighting a losing battle against our waning youthful appearance, we should concentrate on cultivating inner qualities that last forever (1 Peter 3:1-4 NET). One key attribute is a lifelong faith in God, who reassures His people: “Even to your old age …. and even to gray hairs I will carry you!” (Isaiah 46:4).

One writer wrote: “Time may wrinkle the skin, but worry, doubt, hate, and the loss of ideals wrinkle the soul.”

Dear reader, let us note that if we gracefully accept the passing of years in faithful obedience, God will smooth out the wrinkles of our souls (1 John 1:7-9).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets