The Path of Truth Forum

Hi everyone!

Just yesterday, we were discussing the "Mid-life Crisis" in our Bible reading, as an aside, a subject I haven't or heard discussed for a long time or often. I recalled such a time in my life and in Paul's. Then comes this article. These peculiar coincidences have been numerous recently, as if the Lord is saying, "Doubt nothing; I am with you; I reign over all things, every step of your way."

Now though Prager doesn't have the True Answer, he does make some good sense here in terms of the world's ways of dealing with things. Just found it rather interesting.

http://www.israelvideonetwork.com/the-h ... 1431344154" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Actually, What is a ''Mid-life'' crisis ?

It's a term, Chan.

Some people, when they reach age 30 (I'm sure there's many instances at an earlier age or later age) they stop and look at their life, "I haven't accomplished this or that? I don't have this or that. I'm not this or that. I'm this old and I've failed to reach this idea of where I believe a person my age should be at in life."

So this person goes through this crisis which can lead to many things.

I worked for a man. When he turned 50 he told me he had a midlife crisis at age 30 and 40. Each time to make himself feel better he bought himself a corvette.

Victor's internet is still down, so I'm posting for him. Here's something he wrote on the "Mid-life Crisis":

“For what is your life? For it is a vapor, which appears for a little time, and then disappears” (James 4:14 MKJV”

There comes a time in one’s life when suddenly a cursory assessment of the sum total in experience and achievements is laid before him. Without warning or explanation, the question is asked: “What have you done so far with your life? Are you satisfied with what you’ve learned and achieved? How worthwhile has it been for all concerned?”

I expect this inexplicable mysterious presentation may last an hour or two or perhaps a few days, even weeks, and then departs as unobtrusively as it came, like a curious cloud passing by in the sky. I question the time of its duration and perhaps I shouldn’t even bring the dimension of time into the discussion because it seems this event is independent of time.

I believe this is the Creator’s way of summoning the attention of the creature made in His image to a brief, yet substantial and impactful review of his path while he still may have time to consider and have a final opportunity to change or do something worthwhile with his life. One might liken it somewhat to an employee’s career assessment by the personnel department, or an analysis of the growth, direction, and potential adjustment of a business.

I experienced this time many years ago and I recall Paul, my fellow worker in Christ, experiencing it as well, perhaps ten years or so later, which happens to be about how much older I am than he. While I think the timing of the crisis varies with everyone, it generally seems to be in the early forties.

I believe this time can be rather traumatic for those who realize they have failed to do what they would have been fulfilled in doing or what they should have been achieving. For my part, while I recognize my friends and acquaintances of the world seemed to achieve much more than I did or even ever could, and that I might have made unwise choices and taken wrong turns on the road of life, I knew the Lord had directed my steps and that I was safe in His keeping and perfectly contained in my calling. At such a time of examination, this assurance is practically a lifesaver.

What are the options when we look back with disappointment and chagrin? We may despair, we may bury our head in the sand and ignore it and go on as we’ve been going, or we can react positively for the purpose this revelation and time of decision has been granted us. We can solemnly determine to make the latter half of our existence count.

Are there physiological elements to this time of life, like the time of menopause for women? Perhaps physical effects accompany the inner development. In any case, I conclude it to be a reminder that life is short and to make the best of the time remaining while one still can, not only for himself but for all concerned, which is truly the entire creation, for none of us lives unto ourselves, but answers to God and all.

“Rejoice, in your youth, young man; and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth, and walk in the ways of your heart, and in the sight of your eyes; but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment. Therefore remove vexation from your heart, and put away evil from your flesh; for childhood and prime of life are vanity” (Ecclesiastes 11:9-10 MKJV).

I often wonder, where would my life be if I didn't fear people so much. I made most of life decisions based on the fear of man. Music and basketball are things I like very much. When I am doing either one time is not a thought.Sometimes I think why was I so afraid to pursue them

I really appreciate all you say here, Victor. The truth and wisdom from the Lord. Thank You, Lord.

I've been thinking about what you said for days and have reread it.

I remember once seeing a curious cloud in the sky. It was early morning, it was a dark, completely clear sky. Except for this one oval egg shaped cloud, horizontal, seemingly perfect in shape, just in the clear sky by itself. I've never seen anything like it before. The whole scene gave me chills. I kept looking up at it. It slowly moved across the sky as the day became brighter. It turned into two clouds, one smaller than the other. Eventually became deformed like a normal cloud. Disappeared. Then other deformed clouds.

I kept thinking back on it for days after. I know what you mean how a time in our lives can grab our attention, such as you've explained.

I hadn't had time to write here, but I did appreciate the video and what Victor has shared in addition. When I first expressed to my "pastor" my concerns about the vanity I perceived in our church services and more, she said it was the mid-life-crisis I was going through. I had just turned 40, and she said that's when it started, but it would soon pass...

It was a very convulsed time for me - spiritually, emotionally, and materially. I experienced a profound crisis, but thank God it was leading me to search for answers. I could sense I had been living for vanity, but I felt more "pushed" to see and enquire on what was ahead rather than on what was behind.

When I was met by the Lord at TOPT, the crisis got worse and better at the same time. Ever since, it has been a series of crisis and blessings; it’s hard to know the difference. I’ve sometimes felt as if I were peeling off an onion, layer after layer, which seems to never end, or like trying to swim down a river, with rapids and calm sections, but still not getting to the deep blue sea.

I am thankful the Lord is a sure hope and anchor for our souls. He knows the road, the passages, and the destination, and He is in charge of taking us where He means to take us.

“I would have fainted unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Hope in the LORD; be of good courage, and He shall make your heart strong; yea, hope in the LORD.” (Psalm 27:13-14 MKJV)