The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, Psalm 92:12-14 NIV

You and I both know that as people age, they find it harder to stay entirely well. The Bible, in Ecclesiastes 12, talks about “when the keepers of the house tremble, and the strong men stoop, when the grinders cease because they are few, and those looking through the windows grow dim;”. We cannot avoid getting old in this world of sin. So how can this promise come true? It is well to remember that as a Christian, we live life on two levels. We function in the physical realm and suffer the effects of aging, but our spiritual life with God is renewed every day as we go to the fountain of life. As we spend time with Jesus our inner life is enriched and strengthened. The walk becomes sweeter as we are filled with the presence of God, by the Holy Spirit. Difficulties come that test us, but as we exercise our faith it grows stronger. We know that despite the troubles, Jesus will sustain, bless and care for us. Filling us with a rich, deep joy. Spending time in the presence of God, by praise, Bible study and prayer, is the secret to staying fresh and green in the garden of God.

photo by-andrea-piacquadio-pexels