Remember Creator Days of Youth
E.A. Johnston calls believers to remember and honor their Creator during their youth as a foundation for enduring faith and purpose in old age.
In this devotional sermon, E.A. Johnston reflects on the challenges of aging and the importance of remembering God early in life. He encourages believers to build a strong spiritual foundation in their youth that will sustain them through the trials of old age. Through heartfelt reflection and scriptural insights, Johnston offers hope and grace to those facing the realities of growing older.
Full Transcript
Hot flashes of summer time, cool on my mind, Doctor, please do not close those blinds. White clouds paint the sky with specks of tears, my eyes are fading from all my years. I've been drifting, searching through my past, I remember the color of your eyes at last.
But the nurse disturbing took you away, and now I sit alone watching the day. Cold walls and shadows hide me from life, sometimes I pray to God to take my life. I don't know what I did to deserve this fate, I am a victim of old age, of old age, of old age.
My mind is slightly frayed, that's what they say, some call it senility, I call it grace. I feel so empty, as empty as this room, it's funny how I used to look on death as doom. I once had a title, held everyone's respect, now my power's gone and so are my friends.
Wet sheets from my sweat are all that's left of a man that once could have been president. Cold walls and shadows hide me from life, sometimes I pray to God to take my life. I don't know what I did to deserve this fate, I am a victim of old age, of old age, of old age.
Hot flashes of summertime cool on my mind, doctor please do not grow so splendid.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Reality of Aging
- Physical and mental decline is inevitable
- Feelings of loneliness and loss of purpose
- Common misconceptions about old age
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II. Remembering the Creator in Youth
- The importance of establishing faith early
- Youth as a time to build spiritual foundations
- Scriptural call to remember God in youth
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III. Finding Grace and Purpose in Old Age
- Old age can be a time of grace, not despair
- God’s sustaining presence throughout life
- Living with hope despite physical decline
Key Quotes
“I call it grace, not senility.” — E.A. Johnston
“Sometimes I pray to God to take my life, but He is the reason I endure.” — E.A. Johnston
“Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, so you may find strength in the years to come.” — E.A. Johnston
Application Points
- Begin cultivating a relationship with God early to build a resilient faith.
- Trust in God's sustaining grace during times of physical and emotional decline.
- Seek purpose and hope in God regardless of age or circumstances.