Psalm 92:14-15 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.”

For some reason, passages that refer to aging catch my attention! However, this passage points out that the point isn’t just to be vigorous in old age, but rather to testify to the goodness and faithfulness of the Lord. A sour old person isn’t much good to themselves or to anyone else, however healthy they might be physically. However, an old person who is focused on telling people how good God is, is a blessing to everyone around them, as well as being filled with joy regardless of their physical condition. I watched a video just yesterday about the history of revival in China, and they had an interview with one of the original Back to Jerusalem group of evangelists. She was wheelchair bound, probably a centenarian, but she positively glowed! There are various ways to age, some of them inevitable and some of them premature, but if our focus is truly on the One who is our Source of all good, grace and blessings overflow.

The fact that the newest member of our church turned 100 in February reminds me that 76 isn’t as old as I sometimes feel it is! I have friends of the whole gamut of calendar ages, but their level of vitality doesn’t necessarily correspond to the number of years they’ve been alive. I’ve known people who were old in their 30s! People often comment on how young I am for my age, but that comes entirely from being aware of God’s grace to me. I did have the example of various relatives who aged well, but I’ve already outlived both my parents by a good margin, so it’s not all genetics. I do have the advantage of living in Japan, so my diet isn’t that of the average American! Also, I try to keep up my walking, because I need to be available for my wife, who has various limitations because of Parkinson’s and the like. However, it mostly comes back to what the Psalmist says here. The better I am focused on God, and sharing Him with those around me, the more His strength, peace, and joy will flow through me, for my blessing as well as the blessing of others.

Father, thank You for this reminder. I have long had the feeling that I would see Christ’s return with my physical eyes, but then I have had various friends with the same conviction who are now with You and not with us. I don’t know Your timing, either of Christ’s return or my own departure, but that doesn’t matter, because I know You, and You are totally faithful. May I in turn be faithful at all the tasks You set for me, for Your pleasure and glory. Thank You. Praise God!