“Let it be our unceasing prayer that as we grow older we may not grow colder in the ways of God,” said good George Muller.

Muller lived up into the late nineties — always bright, full of interest, hopeful, joyful. In his last years, he would often stop in the midst of his conversation to exclaim, “Oh, I am so happy!” And it was not a mannerism, nor was it feigned.

“As we advance in years,” he had written long before, “let us not decline in spiritual power; but let us see to it that an increase of spiritual vigor and energy be found in us, that our last days may be our best days… Let the remaining days of our pilgrimage be spent in an ever-increasing, earnest consecration to God.”

“The devil has no happy old people,” it has been said. And that is understandable. How sad to have lived only for these few passing years and the thrills or compensations of them! In that case, old age is like a solemn countdown to the end. Treasures must be left behind. Moments must be drained of all good, for nothing good is expected beyond the grave.

In contrast, the Christian can rejoice in old age. He is still young in the light of eternity and every beat of his heart moves him closer to glory. He is not leaving his treasures but going to them. The end of life is but the end of his limitations. He savors every moment as another opportunity to serve his Lord and to be with loved ones, but he knows that better things are ahead and that a great reunion is coming in heaven.

Whether in church, his home, or in heaven, he can say, “My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee.”