“The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. ….They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green.” Psalm 92:12, 14
July 21, 2022
“Don’t just grow old – grow up!” The psalmist is saying that in his song of the sweetness of praise to God. Psalm 92 was used on the Sabbath to give guidance in the praising of God. We gather on the Lord’s Day, Sunday, to praise God and keep eternal realities in mind (vv. 10-15). Is that your habit? Hopefully it is. It helps those who know and worship God to be fruitful even into old age. It can make us “old saps” improve in our spiritual eyesight and hearing. If you want God to grow bigger in your life, consistently examine yourself in the light of God’s Word instead of comparing yourself to what it was like to be younger. Overcome a preoccupation with self by self-belittlement, self-exaltation, and self-pity. Use the material wealth God has given you in a responsible way. Look for ways to be generous to others. Stand on the high ground of the gospel in order to see the big picture. The high ground is the place where you can get the best view. It enables us to see where we are going and what we must do. Keep your priorities in sharp focus. Too many churches push older saints out to the edges of the cemetery. “Old trees” can still flourish and bear fruit. Don’t give up on yourself simply because you are growing older. To those who are yet young, you will be what you are becoming. H
A time for meditation and prayer: “I give thanks to you, O Lord, that you have chosen to lengthen my days. It is my desire to fill them with many talks with you and a mind that is filled with your thoughts.”