Growing In Old Age

Read: Psalm 92:12-15

They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing. --- Psalm 92:14

The Bible In One Year:
Nehemiah 4-6
Acts 2:22-47

We have a gnarled, ancient plum tree in our backyard that has seen better days. Its bark is dark and creased with age, its limbs are sparse and spindly, and it leans about 45 degrees to the west. Two years ago I had to cut off some branches on one side and the tree lost its symmetry.

I thought we had lost it for sure several winters ago when we had a stretch of sub-zero weather. The man who sprays our trees said he believed it was dead. Yet it came to life that spring and continues to do so every year.

Each April that old tree shrugs off the winter and puts out blossoms --- fragrant pink flowers that grow profusely and beautify our yard. As I write this article, I can smell its sweetness in the air.

That plum tree endures because it has roots that tap deep into the soil. It draws its strength and nourishment from hidden subterranean sources.

As so it is with us. Our ability to endure --- no, to flourish --- is dependent on our being rooted in Christ. Those who read His Word, reflect on it, and pray it into their lives bring forth the fruit of the Spirit [Galatians 5:22-23], even into old age. As Psalm 92:14 says, "They shall be fresh and flourishing." --- David Roper

Our faltering steps and ebbing strength
Reveal life as a fading page;
Yet holding firm to Christ in faith
Keeps hope alive at my age. --- D. De Haan

BETTER THAN COUNTING YOUR YEARS IS MAKING ALL YOUR YEARS COUNT.