Growing in Grace

“The righteous man will flourish like the palm tree, 
He will grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
Planted in the house of the Lord,
They will flourish in the courts of our God.
They will still yield fruit in old age;
They shall be full of sap and very green,
To declare that the Lord is upright;
He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.”
Psalm 92:12-15
   
Have you spent much time in the presence of an elderly saint, one who walked with God all of their life? They are refreshing. Challenging. They give you something to strive for - a goal to try to reach. They are living proof that the Christian life can lead to a unique beauty in old age. Oh, you’ll still get wrinkled and gray, but there can be great serenity and underlying calm - the results of learning to trust and obey the One Who has it all under control.

There is much to be gleaned from an elderly saint. They may be more aware that their days are numbered, and therefore, be more apt to speak from their heart. Theirs has been a lifetime of the most significant changes and progress in all of world history. Yet the truths and principles of the Bible have held them secure through all the turmoil.

We often admire and place great value on old pieces of furniture and other collectibles. How much more value is to be found in the living heart of one who has endured and found God to be faithful. Some of the clearest insights you will ever gain will come as a blessing through an older saint whose eyes may be dim but in spirit, like Caleb, grew stronger and expressed greater faith in the later years of life.

Grow, friend. God’s desire is that you become mighty in spirit.

“Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us;
and confirm...the work of our hands...” Psalm 90:17