As I get older, fear seeks to creep in - by Bill Dupley

Clint Eastwood and Toby Keith were playing golf one day, and Clint told him he was turning 88 and was going to start filming a new movie. Toby asked him what keeps him going. Clint said. “Don’t Let the Old Man in”

Recently, Sue and I went to Toronto to see a musical, and I took the GO train. Surprisingly, I found it a difficult experience. I hadn't taken the train in 50 years, and a lot has changed. I found it difficult to find the platform and to understand how the ticket system worked. I understand it now, but at the time, I felt overwhelmed, and I felt anxiety rising up in me. This was a new experience. After all, I am not an inexperienced traveler. I've been to 5 continents and flown over a million miles, but for some reason, this GO train experience was very upsetting.

I asked the Lord about it, and I realized I was letting the Old Man in

Impact of Age

For the last ten years, I have visited my Father in care facilities, and I have seen many older adults. I have noticed a common behavior pattern. Many become fearful of doing new things. Technology, such as cell phones or PVRs, can be overwhelming, and people worry about various things.

I have never been afraid to do anything until recently. In fact, when I was a teenager, I was called Wild Bill, but something has changed since I turned 71. I am feeling anxious when faced with new experiences. I am noticing a reduction in confidence regarding things that I would have previously never concerned myself with. I realize that this is a temptation that could make me less effective and rob me of life. However, as always, I asked the Lord what I should do about this.

Here are some things I felt he said to me

Son

As you get older, your abilities become less and fear tries to exploit this. The solution is to recognize that as you become less, I must become more. I will help you accomplish this.

    Start by rebuking the fear,

    Next, declare what I will do for you,

    Lastly, declare that my God is greater than my limitations

I will grant you

    Peace through this battle

    Strength during this trial

    Anointing during this transition

I love you, Son

Love Dad

Moving into greater dependency on God

I am committed to living life to the fullest, but this experience has challenged me to become more dependent on God for things that I would have just done myself. Simple things like taking the train and travelling. As a result, Daily I have committed to not letting the Old Man in and remind myself what God has promised me.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.2 Cor 12:19

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil 4:13

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Rom 8:37

Although I have been talking about my challenge with the old man, you don’t have to be old to experience these feelings. After all, the old man is just fear or and many who are young also struggle with feelings of anxiety. Here is my favourite promise that God has given us when we face fear.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Tim 1:7

Action

We need to choose not to let the old man in. We need to recognise that we let him in. I am committed to doing that with God’s help. I encourage you to do the same.

I encourage you to listen to and watch this 3 minute song: “Don’t Let the Old Man in.” It is very inspirational.

Journaling Exercise

Lord, am I letting the old in? What would You say? 

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