See, you’re not old. In fact the older you get the sappier you are! And greener too. Those who don’t know better might even mistake you for the Hulk. But you have a better source for your identity: none other than the inspired truth of God in the Psalms.

The longer you age, the more you shake and rattle, and the more your role as a believer and doer of God’s work changes. You might be unable to live the life of a Christian as you once did, but you’re never too old for some role that praises God for the faith you’ve enjoyed all these years. You’re not sappy and green for nothing. You’re sappy and green for something — something for which the Holy Spirit has in mind for you.

Don’t worry. Be sappy.

I’m one of those people who wishes away the heat of summer in favor of a warm spring day or a cool autumn one. Yet God uses the seasons — all of them — to remind me that He’s fully in control of my world.

When I experience other types of seasons — spiritual, relational, and physical ones, I can apply God’s promise to these as well. Whether I’m experiencing a dark depression, a dry spiritual time, or a stormy physical challenge, I know it won’t last. God has allowed it for a time and a purpose, but He’ll eventually replace it with a different season. Knowing that tough times don’t last gives me the courage to persevere and learn from them. They give me an opportunity to trust God to give me everything I need to navigate the season with faith and joy.

Look around the world and what do you see? The beauty of the sky, the grandeur of the mountains, and the splendor of the lakes. All of these attests to God’s glory, majesty, and power. Yet, we also see brokenness, tragedy, wars. This is enough to make even Christians question if God is still in control. Instead of despair and hopelessness, open your Bible. It is full of God’s promises to us.

Though the world is constantly changing, God has promised He never changes (Malachi 3:6). When we doubt if God cares, we are assured He is always with us (Matthew 28:20). We trust that God wants what is best for us because He is faithful

(2 Thessalonians 3:3). Finally, we can be assured that we have nothing to fear because Jesus told us, “I have overcome the

world” (John 16:33).

A bright sparkling diamond is quite beautiful, and a gift of a diamond ring, necklace, or bracelet expresses love to the person receiving the gift. This is especially true when it is given as an expression of love or an engagement to a future bride.

God has given us a treasure that has more beauty than a sparking diamond, namely, His son. Yes, we cannot see or touch the beauty, but by daily reading of His holy Bible we get to know just how much we are loved and cherished; so loved that Christ went to the cross for us, died, and rose again, solely for our life saving benefit. There has never been a more precious gift than this!

Aging can be quite a challenge. Many of us have experienced some unsettling changes in the past year. In the midst of all of the changes and challenges of life that can diminish our Christian joy and peace, there is one thing we don’t have to worry about. We know, by faith and the assurance of God’s trustworthy Word, that our salvation has been fully accomplished for us by Christ.

When we pray with David, “restore to me the joy of your salvation,” we don’t pray for God to restore our salvation. That is a done deal, a gift of God’s grace. Rather, we pray for God to refresh us with His forgiving love and uplifting Spirit, thereby restoring to us the blessed joy and peace that come from knowing that we belong to Christ, no matter what may come our way.

During a time when illness sapped my strength, I languished in my prayer chair. It faced the familiar aged oaks out the window. “Lord, I’m feeling useless. I don’t like this idleness!” My eyes fell again on the trees. Though they stood stock-still, I could see the evidence that the sap ran. They were slowly but surely breathing, stretching, producing leaves. I sensed a gentle answer: I, the Lord, will finish the work I began in you. I will do this. Never doubt it! Lean into My promise.

I took a deep breath and let myself trust again, that even at my age, God still has plans for me to complete. His promise encouraged me to keep on. May this also be so for you.

Most of us likely have a medicine cabinet filled with medications, so why does this Old Testament wise man, King Solomon, propose that we get one more medicine?

Because he is wise as he compares a joyful heart to a crushed spirit. He prescribes that we experience life with a joyful heart. The New Testament follower of Jesus, Paul, gives the Philippians and us the reason we can have a joyful heart: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” In all things we rejoice. Why? Because we are forgiven! Because we are confident of God’s eternal plan for us! We love, because Christ first loved us! If you are experiencing a crushed spirit, pray for a joyful heart. Then practice it, one experience at a time. It might become contagious!

There have been many times in my life when I’ve heard the word, “No.” Can I stay up later? May I buy a new dress? Those requests are rather insignificant. But as we age, some of the “Nos” are more upsetting and impactful. No, you can’t walk without a cane. No, you can’t stay alone in your house anymore. Our earthly bodies begin to dictate our lifestyle. There is hope, though. Hope in the “Yes” of our Lord. 2 Corinthians 1:20 says: “For all the promises of God find their Yes in Him.” Paul clearly states that it’s always “Yes” with God. Yes, He is faithful. Yes, He comforts us in all our affliction. In 1 Peter 5:7, we are to “cast all our anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”

When we hear the “nos” in our lives, remember all the “Yeses” God gives us. Trust in God’s faithfulness. Trust in His “Yes.”

“Retired.” “Washed-up.” “Out to pasture.”

You know the snide-folk wisdom. When the years of work are done, the desk is cleaned out, and you can sleep in on a workday, the expectation is that all that awaits is a rocking chair on the front porch and a wistful drifting off into oblivion.

“Not so!” says the Psalmist. You’re launching into another era of discipleship, no matter what your station in life. It’s God’s gift of time for increased Bible study, personal growth in the faith, volunteering in church and community and, “bearing fruit ... full of sap and green.” It’s a gateway, not a roadblock. Look for opportunities to continue to share the Gospel. Grasp it!

I recently lifted a box that I thought was light enough to carry. Two days later, I developed low back pain. The box had been too heavy. I quickly asked my doctor for a referral to a physical therapist. I needed to learn some exercises to stretch my muscles. Because of their knowledge and concern for patients, I trusted these medical professionals. I knew that they could restore my health.

In a similar way, life’s burdens can sometimes weigh me down. I have faith, however, that God can lift my spirit and heal my soul. The Bible records Jesus’s assurances of help to those who followed His commandments. His ordinary and miraculous acts showed how He inspired many people to do so.

Trust in God in order to have the joy and peace that He promises.