2 Samuel 21:15
“Now when the Philistines were at war with Israel again, David went down, and his servants with him; and when they fought against the Philistines, David became weary”.
David is at a different life stage. He's getting older. We haven't seen this before. Battle was one of his best skills. As a young shepherd, he killed a lion and a bear. He was good at it. Saul spent much national effort in attempts to kill him. David outfoxed him every time.
David couldn't keep up with the battle. He became weary. He is in a different life stage. He needs to recognize it. This can be tough to do. We are telling ourselves to slow down or stop some activities. Some struggle with this as their identities are wrapped up in them. To stop them is admitting that they are getting old.
If we don't acknowledge we are at a different life stage, we could get hurt. David could have been killed. Battle is a high intensity activity, which requires strength, stamina and much adrenaline. It's a young man's activity.
These different stages should be embraced and celebrated. Proverbs 16:31 says, "Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is attained along the path of righteousness." This sign of aging is a crown to be celebrated. Proverbs 20:29 says, "“The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old.” Most cultures honor their elders.
These new stages can open new doors. In the working world, those experienced in their trade become consultants. They get paid for their wisdom and experience. Celebrate that.
God wants to bless these stages. He wants to use us in all of them. Don't accept the world's not of what matters. It loves youthfulness. Many get surgeries to make themselves look younger. That's ok, but they are waring against nature. That may be a problem.
Lord, thank You for the new stages and what they bring. Help us to thrive in them. Help us to shed those things we can no longer do. Thank You that You have purposes for us in every stage. Help us to celebrate each of them as we walk with You.