“I have been young, and now I am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken…” (Psalm 37:25 ESV). King David’s heartfelt statement makes one turn around and examine their past. Age and experience bring a particular perspective most younger people do not understand or appreciate. Many an adolescent think the older people are just out of touch with their generation. In many ways, that is true. But, a wrong true. The mature have been there and done that and can see things the younger cannot yet.
It is the gray hairs, if you do not dye yours, that give the older one’s perspective. What is new is only a twist of improvement on what was old. Gadgets may do things that make life easier. But the wisdom of how to use the everyday items properly takes maturity and wisdom. We need to see things from the big picture point of view.
What will make a difference in eternity is the question, the real question. Everything on earth will stay here. Only the deeds done for Christ will pass through the portals of the gates of Pearl to the throne room of God. That is seeing the big picture, a feature usually ignored today.
Doing what the Lord wants you to do is best learned on your knees in prayer. Another thing neglected today. Once you know his objective and commit yourself to it, then things begin to happen. Yes, there are potholes in the way, but the Lord can show you the way around them or over them. He can also have you stop for a while and wait until the way is clear for you to proceed. What happens when you are willing to ask for guidance and continue to follow his directions. It is one thing to start on his journey. It is quite another thing to stay on the path to its destination.
Joshua had specific instructions to conquer the cities in the promised land. After Jericho’s victories, Israel decided to take the easy way to defeat Ai’s little town. A strange thing happened. Ai won the battle against the Israelites. Why? Because Israel did it their way and lost. But when repentance came for disobedience and Israel obeyed God’s instructions, Ai suffered defeat.
So, it is with life today, whether young or old. Following and obeying God is always good. If only we would be smart enough to be obedient the first time and do it his way.
