Hearing God

Most people struggle with hearing God for themselves, so this podcast will equip you with tools and practical examples so you can confidently hear God.

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Hearing God

Hearing God in Retirement

August 10, 2025 • Gary & Jane Berry • Season 3 • Episode 87

The retirement years are not meant to be a never-ending holiday. Although the Bible doesn't specifically address retirement, apart from Numbers 8, which instructs priests to leave the heavy lifting to younger men, it does refer to the aging process and the responsibilities and legacies we are to leave for our children and grandchildren. Join us as we explore hearing God regarding the retirement years and stewarding our time, thoughts, purpose, discipleship, and resources.

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Episode Description:

Episode Notes:

Introduction to the retirement years

· Often preceding this are the 'empty-nester' years once your kids have left home. This time is a beautiful invitation for new patterns and routines.

· The Bible does not specifically address retirement as a biblical mandate. It does say in Numbers 8:23-26 that the Levitical priests, at the age of 50 (in the Jubilee year), are to retire from regular service but still assist their brothers. Their strength was waning, and moving heavy furniture and demanding roles in the Tabernacle were too much for them, but they still had a role.

· Retirement is not a never-ending vacation/holiday.

· Instead, retirement is a fantastic opportunity to revisit your purpose in life and re-examine your use of time as you tend to have a whole lot of extra time, thought-life, etc. In other words, how you manage your rest. Almost like an invitation for some to 'turn the page'. To embrace this new season and look for growth opportunities.

· Not only what you will do to serve and give back, but almost more importantly, why.

· It can also be a time when you are juggling helping with grandchildren, plus caring for elderly parents.

First Principle: Getting or remaining 'right with God'

· Your relationship with God has to be your top priority.

· Matthew 6:33 "Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness"

· Mark 12:30-31 "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: 'Love your neighbour as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these."

· Your relationships, your identity and purpose. New ways of serving God.

· Reassess priorities.

· Spiritual practices.

· Are you ready to meet your maker/creator? Are you ready to leave Earth with no regrets? Make peace with your life and with God.

· Perhaps you would like to take some time to ask God to reveal His thoughts on various aspects of your life?

Second Principle: Leaving a legacy

· Psalm 71:17-18 "Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvellous deeds. Even when I am old and grey, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come." Other translations say, "My descendants need to know about You".

· Who and how will you invest in others by mentoring and discipling?

· As an elder, you usually have incredible wisdom and can be a blessing to all.

· Proverbs 13:22 "A good person leaves an inheritance for their children's children."

· Ask God, "Lord, what legacy do You want me to leave for my children and my children's children?"

Third Principle: Stewardship of what God has entrusted to you for the well-being of others

· Your time, money, resources, energy, thought-life, and wisdom.

· How will you further God's work in the time you have left?

· Psalm 92: 12-15 The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, "The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him."

· Your work has been your service and contribution to the world. But it is really you who are the gift to the world.

· What are you retiring 'from' or retiring 'to'?

Summary:

1. Getting or remaining 'right with God'.

2. Leaving a legacy.

3. Stewardship of what God has entrusted to you.

Prophetic activation:

Turn your heart and thoughts to Father God and ask Him:

· "God, what would You write on my tombstone?"

Time Stamps:

[0:56] – Gary & Jane share how they have heard God this week.

[4:31] – Introduction to the retirement years.