Friday, August 26, 2016
I was reading Psalm 92 this morning and it made me glad. In fact, one of it’s verses says: “For you make me glad by your deeds, Lord; I sing for joy at what your hands have done.” (vs.4) It made me gladder still when I saw the promise at the end of the psalm which reads: “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, proclaiming, “The Lord is upright; He is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in Him.” (verses 12-15) I was especially encouraged by the promise that God’s people will still bear fruit in their old age. It spoke to me.
I suppose all seniors are constantly reminded of the effects of getting old. I think about it every time I do yard work and other domestic chores I once did with relative ease. And on a ministerial standpoint, I can’t remember how long it’s been since I conducted a funeral service for someone older than me. Nevertheless, this psalm reminds me that, even in our old age, we can still be fruitful. One fear most elderly persons have is that they will reach the stage in their lives when they are more of a burden to their loved ones than a benefit. They have grown accustomed to helping their children. Therefore they find it very difficult when it is they who have to be helped. But every one of these who love the Lord, trust Him to help them when they reach that point in their lives. It goes beyond that. Now they have the promise that they can still be of service to Him and others in their old age.
This promise today brought me back fond memories of my orange-red Chow dog ,Bevo. Even in the last year of his life, (13) he would still chase after a ball every time I threw it in the yard. I would often think to myself: “Bevo, you’re too old to be doing that!” He, obviously didn’t think so. “Ah, Bevo, I can hardly wait to see you again.” I bet some of you are thinking that old age has affected my mind by what I just said about Bevo. I know many folks will say, even Christians, that there is nothing in the Bible that says that dogs will be in Heaven. I beg to differ. In fact, I challenge you to show me a bible verse where it specifically says that there won't be any pets in Heaven. To me, it’s just one more promise from God. And God’s promises, my dear readers, make our lives exciting and meaningful.
God’s promise for today: (Isaiah 46:4) “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”
