In Old Age

They Still Produce

Fruit

It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night, to the music of the lute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre. For you, O LORD, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy.

How great are your works, O LORD! Your thoughts are very deep! The dullard cannot know, the stupid cannot understand this: though the wicked sprout like grass and all evildoers flourish, they are doomed to destruction forever, but you, O LORD, are on high forever. For your enemies, O LORD, for your enemies shall perish; all evildoers shall be scattered. My eyes have seen the downfall of my enemies; my ears have heard the doom of my evil assailants.

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. In old age they still produce fruit; they are always green and full of sap, showing that the LORD is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.

Psalm 92:1-15

Stay active as long as you can. Far too many people hit middle age and put their body and minds in neutral. God gives us mental and physical strength. We are never called to retire from life and coast home to heaven. If you can, you should be physically active. If you cannot be physically active, be mentally active. But always be active in prayer and in quiet service, wherever you are needed.

To stay youthful, stay useful.

Our Daily Bread – March 28, 2006