MEMORY VERSE: “From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” Psalm 61:2
BIBLE PASSAGE: Ecclesiastes 2:10-11
INTRODUCTION
A midlife crisis is a term used to describe a period of transition in life where someone struggles with their identity and self-confidence. It happens anywhere between ages 35 to 60 years old and affects men and women. A midlife crisis is not a clinical disorder but is mainly psychological, emotional, or sometimes behavioural.
OUTLINE
1.SIGNS OF A MIDLIFE CRISIS
2. SOLUTIONS TO A MIDLIFE CRISIS
1.SIGNS OF A MIDLIFE CRISIS
Reasons for a midlife crisis can vary wildly. It may include feelings of dissatisfaction with our present status (financial,marital, social, etc), self- doubt, yet to be fulfilled dreams and a desire for significant changes in direction and purpose in various aspects of life, such as career, relationships, or lifestyle Ecclesiastes 12:1. These feelings are naturally amplified as we age: we realise we are running out of time and our past are likely becoming more permanent Psalm 69:1. Attacks from the devil can happen at any time in our lives but it certainly can play an integral role in a midlife crisis. Job, adjudged by God to be just and upright, was attacked by satan in his midlife Job 1:8, 13-21, 2:7.
Some common symptoms of a midlife crisis may include:
- Questioning the meaning and purpose of life leading to a desire to make significant, often impulsive, changes in one’s life James 4:14; 1 Peter 1:24.
- Anxiety about life choices and unmet goals resulting in feelings of depression, anxiety, or restlessness isaiah 49:4.
- Dissatisfaction with one’s status: career, relationships, or accomplishments compared to one’s contemporaries- people within the same age bracket 2 Corinthians 10:12.
- Preoccupation with youthfulness (dressing or acting flirtatiously) and a fear of aging Ecclesiastes 11:9-10.
- Increased focus on physical appearance and attractiveness 2 Corinthians 5:12.
2. SOLUTIONS TO A MIDLIFE CRISIS
Virtually everyone experiences a midlife crisis but at varying degrees of intensity and duration. Some emerge from this period with a renewed sense of purpose and satisfaction, while others may struggle to overcome the challenges associated with this transition.
Here are some things believers undergoing midlife crisis should do:
- Accept the fact that every stage of life, including midlife, is ordained by God and part of His good plan for us Proverbs 20:29.
- Look inward and concentrate on your inherent potentials, the things that are really working for you and can stand you out from among others Matthew 25:15-17. Upgrade your skills or knowledge in your area of strength.
- Determine to imitate Paul’s forward- looking perspective Philippians 3:13-15.
- If you are experiencing certain symptoms of midlife crisis such as chronic fatigue, restlessness, headaches, or anxiety , prayerfully seek a counsellor, a therapist, or a mental health professional Proverbs 24:6.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle, nurture meaningful relationships,network with people that are ‘flying’ and find fulfilling activities that can contribute to a sense of well-being during this challenging period Proverbs 13:20.
- Consolidate on your achievements or accomplishments so far. Find fulfilment in whatever God has ordained you to be 1 Timothy 6:6.
- Prayerfully persevere i n whatever is presenting itself as a trial in your life, continue to serve the Lord and find joy in Him James 1:2-4.
CONCLUSION
God can see us through the period of midlife crisis, but we must be sensitive to what He is drawing our attention to. We need to do the needful before it is too late Ecclesiastes 12:1; Lamentation 3:27.
FURTHER READINGS
SUN: Psalm 25:1-2
MON:Psalm 25:3-5
TUE: Psalm 119:35-37
WED: Psalm 1:2-3
THUR: 2 Corinthians 5:17
FRI: Ecclesiastes 3:1-5
SAT: Ecclesiastes 3:1-5