The righteous flourish like the palm tree
        and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
    They are planted in the house of the LORD;
        they flourish in the courts of our God.
    They still bear fruit in old age;
        they are ever full of sap and green,
    to declare that the LORD is upright;
        he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.
(Psalm 92:12-15 ESV)

Have you noticed over the years the media drives the desire of people to be youthful; this facial creme, this exercise plan, this supplement, etc.?

The Lord desires that we serve Him for as long as we live.  Even in our old age, believers have the privilege of obeying God and ministering to other people — sometimes in ways a younger person us unable to.

As always, God’s Word can supply us with insight into the attitudes and actions that keep Christians productive and young at heart.

In verse 12, note the righteous (godly) are compared to the palm tree and the cedar tree.  Other points to meditate on:

  • “flourish in the courts of our God” (v. 12) – the godly will enjoy a close relationship with the Father.
  • “bears fruit in old age” (v. 14) – growing Christians serve the Lord all their days.
  • “They will stay fresh and green” (v. 14) – believers should be actively and creatively serving the Lord.

So how do we stay youthful and fruitful all our days?  Here are some suggestions:

Keep Learning – acquire new skills or knowledge that stimulates our minds.

Keep Loving – having caring relationships with spouse, family or friends are more likely to stay young at heart.  (If your spouse is deceased, deepen or broaden relationships with other family members.)

Keep Laughing – (Proverbs 15:13:  “A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.”) A healthy sense of humor gives our life a sense of vitality.

Keep Leaving – (1 Peter 5:7:  “casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”) It is important to keep leaving our burdens (pains of the past, sins, emotional baggage) with the Lord.

The Lord desires for us to be fun-loving, life-giving people that others enjoy knowing.  We can choose to grow old early or remain youthful all our days.  Listen to the God’s voice and obey Him in every situation.

 

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