Why God’s Promises Don’t Change When You Grow Old

July 20, 2017

Old is a controversial concept. You may be depositing social security checks or contemplating a second career. You could be a parent, grandparent, or a middlescent saving for retirement.

No matter what age you are now, you may be wondering, will God’s promises still apply when I grow old?

Will I have enough?

Will I still be useful?

What does God promise when you grow old?

But the godly will flourish like palm trees and grow tall as the cedars of Lebanon. For they are transplanted into the Lord’s own garden, and are under his personal care. Even in old age they will still produce fruit and be vital and green (Psalm 92:12-14, NLT).

Who are the godly?

That promise refers to the “godly.” The Bible calls “godly” those who belong to Him: Christ-ones, those whom He labels “righteous” because they have accepted the free gift of forgiveness and salvation offered them through the blood and death of Jesus Christ (Romans 3:26, John 3:16). So if your heart belongs to Jesus, that’s a promise you can expect God to fulfill:

Notice the things He promises for you in these verses:

You will flourish like palm trees.
You will grow tall like Lebanon cedars.
You have been transplanted into the Lord’s own garden.
You are under His personal care and protection.
You will still produce fruit.
You will be vital and green.

When did God’s promise to you begin? When He transplanted you into His garden–when you became His child.

Do God’s promises ever fail? Not according to Scripture:

The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does (Psalm 145:13, NIV)

For God’s gifts and his call can never be withdrawn; he will never go back on his promises (Romans 11:29, TLB).

Will your life still be useful in old age?

Will your life still be useful to God? I think the key word above is still. God has always had a plan for you, from the time you were young–and even before you were born (Psalm 139).

And, He says, you will still produce fruit. After all, you are in God’s garden now. What He started producing in you earlier, He will continue to do so even in old age (Philippians 1:6).

What kind of fruit? Does God mean the fruit of the spirit? Love, joy, peace, patience… (Galatians 5:22-23). Or does He mean productivity and activity?

Whatever it means, God assures us of one thing. Our lives still matter to Him whether we are young or old. Even if our bodies grow old, our muscles sag, and our minds lag, God can still use us for His glory. We may not feel vital and green, but that doesn’t matter.

Why? Because God and His promises never change (Hebrews 13:8, MSG).

I don’t know about you, but I don’t want my leaves to wilt and turn brown. I want to be a vital part of God’s garden until my final dying breath.

The Key to Our Usefulness

The key may be up to us. How much do we want Him to use us when we grow old? Old age is not something to dread. According to God’s promise, it’s something to anticipate–a continuation of His good plan. Prepare as best you can, but cast your worries and cares on Jesus.

Leave it up to God, and cooperate with Him as to how He wants to use you. Our part is primarily to trust and believe His promise.

My Prayer for You

Lord Jesus,

Open our hearts to a greater definition of old age and to Your promise of usefulness and vitality as we grow older. Thank You for transplanting us into Your own garden, where you’ve promised to watch over and care for us. With You as the Master Gardener, Creator, and Sustainer of Life, why should we worry about getting older? Thank You for Your plans for our lives that You designed before we took our first breath–and for Your promise to keep using us until we draw our last. And thank You for drawing close to us as we draw close to You. Thank You that we can still serve You and love You in ways that You will reveal each year. Keep us vital and green, always growing in You, Jesus!

Day-votedly Yours,

Rebecca

It’s Your Turn to Share

What about you? No matter what age you are now, how do you feel about growing old? Does this promise encourage you? Would you share your comments below? Your words might encourage someone today.

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LET TRUE FREEDOM RING: A GIFT OF PEACE

July 4, 2017

Most of us celebrate our country’s birthday and freedom watching fireworks. But there’s something more we can do that will truly make a lasting difference in the lives of others. As you read this short inspirational piece, I hope it will encourage you to celebrate–and share–the Gift of true freedom and peace. Read more

Bible Promise for Today: God’s Grace

June 29, 2017

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV)

Bible Promise: God’s Grace

Do you ever feel like you’ve hit an immovable wall? Like change will never come? Read more

Bible Promise for Today: How to Find Healing for the Broken Heart

June 22, 2017

Healing for a Broken Heart

Has your heart ever been broken? How do you find healing for your broken heart? Where do you turn?

Several years ago about this time one of my dearest girlfriends died. She lived a good distance away, but earlier, our kids had grown up together in the same town, and our families had spent many cool, Colorado vacations together. She taught me so much about life, and I felt a huge loss and emptiness at her passing. I had hoped to spend even more time with her in our later years, but that didn’t happen. Even though I knew she was enjoying Jesus‘s presence in eternity, I still grieved.

The loss of parents, children, a spouse, or anyone close to us can leave our hearts in need of mending.

Some of you may have experienced a betrayal or divorce, or you’re still struggling with a prodigal son or daughter. Most of us have plowed through devastating circumstances at one time or another.

But for me, the greatest heartbreak of all is when I grieve God’s heart through sin–failing to trust and obey Him.

Bible Promise for a Broken Heart

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds (Psalm 147:3, NIV).

The promise in Psalm 147:3 is a wonderful Bible promise for us. It can apply to all these hurts and more. It’s one that has brought me comfort in so many situations including the loss of my precious friend and so many others.

The healing may not always be instant, but God’s presence is. He will walk with you step by step, even when you think you can’t go any further. He is always there to hold your hand and mend your broken heart.

God, the Great Heart-Healer

God is the Great Heart-Healer! He bandages our wounds and makes us whole again. In fact, He is the only One who can.

Have you asked Him to heal your broken heart? He’s waiting to hear from you.

My Prayer for You

Lord, You are indeed the great Heart-Healer! When our hearts are broken and in need of healing, thank You for being there to repair the damage and make us whole again. Thank You for caring about the painful details of our lives, and for loving us through every rough situation.

Day-votedly Yours,

Rebecca

t’s Your Turn to Share

What about you? How have you experienced a broken heart? How did God help “bind up your wounds?” Would you share your comments below? Your words might encourage someone today.

Our Policy

A Prayer for Fathers and Grandfathers

June 15, 2017

If you are Dad or Granddad, you are deserving of blessing and honor for who you are and for all you do. No matter what your age, single or married, here is a prayer of blessing for you for every good work, every good word, and for every act of love you have ever offered on behalf of the ones you love:

Dear Lord,

Bless every father and every grandfather with the best of your spiritual blessings today. Let him know he is not alone in the tasks you have given him to provide for and support those under his care. Show him how much you delight in his work, and affirm the value of whatever You have given him to do—both as a father or grandfather and as a child of Yours. Confirm his worth daily so he has no reason to doubt whether he is loved in the eyes of his Heavenly Father. Read more

You are so important to me! As an inspirational author and day-voted follower of Jesus, I love to paint encouragement on the hearts of others just like you.