TOPIC: MIDLIFE CRISIS
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 2:14-19
14 The wise man’s eyes are in his head; but the fool walketh in darkness: and I myself perceived also that one event happeneth to them all.
15 Then said I in my heart, As it happeneth to the fool, so it happeneth even to me; and why was I then more wise? Then I said in my heart, that this also is vanity.
16 For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise man? as the fool.
17 Therefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous unto me: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit.
18 Yea, I hated all my labour which I had taken under the sun: because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me.
19 And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise man or a fool? yet shall he have rule over all my labour wherein I have laboured, and wherein I have shewed myself wise under the sun. This is also vanity.
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 around 35 years old to 60 years old and affects men and women. A midlife crisis is not a critical disorder but is mainly psychological, emotional, or sometimes behavioral.
LESSON OUTLINES
1. REASONS AND SYMPTOMS OF A MIDLIFE CRISIS.
2. ANTIDOTES FOR A MIDLIFE CRISIS.
REASONS AND SYMPTOMS OF A MIDLIFE CRISIS.
Reasons for a midlife crisis vary. It may include feelings of dissatisfaction with one’s 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, relationship, or lifestyle (Psalm 90:13-17). 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). While spiritual warfare can happen at any time in our lives, it certainly could 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:
1. Questioning the meaning and purpose of life to make significant, often impulsive changes in one’s life (James 4:14; 1Peter 1:24).
2. Fret about life’s choices and unmet goals resulting in feelings of depression, anxiety, or restlessness (Isaiah 49:4).
3. Dissatisfaction with one’s status: career, relationship, or accomplishments compared to one’s mates – people within the same age bracket (2Corinthians 10:12).
4. Preoccupation with youthfulness and the fear of aging (Ecclesiastes 11:9-10).
5. Increased focus on physical appearance and attractiveness (2Corinthians 5:12).
ANTIDOTES FOR A MIDLIFE CRISIS
Virtually everyone experiences a midlife crisis but at varying degrees on intensity and duration. Some emerge from this period and satisfaction, while others may struggle to overcome the challenges associated with this transition. Here are some things believes undergoing midlife crisis should do:
1. Accept the fact that every stage of life is ordained by God and part of His good plan for us (Proverbs 20:29).
2. Look inward and concentrate on your inheritance potential, the things that are working for you and can stand you out (Matthew 25:15-17). Upgrade your skills or knowledge in your are of strength.
3. Determine to initiate Paul’s forward looking perspective (Philippians 3:13-15).
4. If experiencing certain symptoms of a middle life crisis such as chronic fatigue, restlessness, headaches, or anxiety, see a counselor, a therapist, or a mental health professional (Proverbs 24:6).
5. Maintain a healthy lifestyle, nurture meaningful relationships, network with people who are ‘flying’, and find fulfilling activities that can contribute to a sense of well-being during this challenging period (Proverbs 13:20).
6. Consolidate your achievements so far. Find fulfillment in whatever God has ordained you to be (2Timothy 6:6).
7. Persevere in the trial, 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. Do the needful because it is too late (Ecclesiastes 12:1; Lamentation 3:27).
QUESTION
1. Identify four causes of midlife crisis.
2. Mention at least five antidotes to a midlife crisis.
Leave a Reply