What Does the Bible Say About Making Retirement Meaningful?

While the Bible doesn’t specifically discuss retirement as we understand it in the modern context, it has plenty to say about living a meaningful life and walking with God throughout various seasons of life, including older age.

Living With Hope in the Lord

The Bible makes clear that the people of God are to live with hope in the Lord regardless of circumstances or age. For seniors who’ve been followers of Jesus for some time, hope may have become a habit. That can make it less powerful.

If you are facing challenges in retirement or simply feel bored and frustrated by the mundane pace of your days, it might be helpful to reflect on Biblical stories that remind you of the power of your hope. Paul’s letter in 2 Corinthians 4:16 says, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”

If you want to be inspired by hope in the Lord, reconsider some favorite Bible stories such as Abraham and Sarah having a child in their old age, David slaying the giant Goliath, Elisha providing for the widow with a single jar of oil or Lazarus’s resurrection.

Seeking Rest and Renewal

One way to support the hope you have in God’s plan is to rest in it. Older adults who are well into the retirement years know they don’t always equate to physical rest. You may have a busy social life, family obligations or trouble getting enough sleep due to physical health conditions.

No matter why you might feel tired, seeking rest and renewal in your faith can help. Isaiah 40:31 reminds believers that “those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

But this type of rest isn’t always found by spending even more time tossing and turning in bed. Instead, you might try to find renewal through:

• Meditating on your favorite Bible passages
• Setting aside prayer time throughout your day
• Spending time with loved ones and friends who aren’t a drain on your energy
• Worshipping with others at church or during devotional times at an assisted living community or senior center

The Value of Wisdom — and What to Do With It

Deuteronomy 32:7 states, “Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past. Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain to you.” This is a message to the nation of Israel repeated multiple times in the Old Testament. God expected his people to carry the story of his relationship with them into new generations.

If you’ve done your Old Testament Bible readings, you know Israel wasn’t always great at following this advice. In fact, there’s a story in 2 Kings 22 and 23 about the Book of the Law being rediscovered, implying that for some time, Israel had not been living according to God’s wisdom.

As an older adult of faith, God may be calling you to share his love and wisdom with others. You have life experiences that can provide context for God’s calling and message to others, and it’s important to consider how best to share that wisdom.

The Importance of Serving Others

1 Peter 4:10 says, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

After you’ve rested in the hope of the Lord and considered how you think he wants you to share your gifts and wisdom with others, you might want to step into service. Some ways older adults can serve others include:

• Volunteering. Seek out opportunities to help others at local food banks, schools or hospitals.
• Mentoring. Contact local schools to offer your mentoring or tutoring services.
• Babysitting. Offer to help watch the children of adult friends and family so they can rest or handle practical tasks.

Practicing Good Stewardship

As you seek to serve and live a meaningful life during retirement, don’t forget to steward your resources well. Resources given by God can include financial assets, time and even health.

Colossians 3:23 declares, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Working for God rather than for earthly considerations is foundational to good stewardship; you may find it easier to care for and use resources in a manner pleasing to God when you start with doing his will.