![[Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Increase comes from God](https://thenewsguru.ng/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screenshot-2023-02-21-at-5.48.27-AM.png)
Read: PSALM 92:12-15
Meditation verse:
“They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing” (Psalm 92:14).
There is currently a plethora of self-help books loaded with prescriptions on how to look twenty years younger than your age. We are instructed to exercise daily, eat low fat, balanced meals, drink tons of water to detoxify our systems, splash on moisturizers before stepping out of the house, get enough rest or sleep and abstain from stressful situations. Whilst these instructions can be useful and beneficial, they are no guarantees to either a longer life or one devoid of sickness and pain. Athletes have been known to collapse and die during sporting events and fitness addicts have been afflicted with deadly diseases such as cancer. The bible states that “bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come” (1 Tim 4:8).
Developing and nurturing a right relationship with the one who created your body is the only guarantee you have for ageing gracefully and transiting peacefully unto the life beyond. “Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:30-31). God gives power to the weak and increases the strength of those who have no might. He satisfies your mouth with good things so that your youth is renewed, like the eagle’s (Psalm 103:5). He promises to uphold and deliver you from the time you are born to your old age (Isaiah 46:3- 4). He says that He will satisfy you with long life and show you His salvation (Psalm 91:16). He declares that you shall bear fruits even
in old age and you shall be fresh and flourishing (Psalm 92:14). What an amazing life He has in store for you and His promises are worth holding on to because He never fails.
However, God’s promises are usually tied to conditions. Deuteronomy 5:33 states that “you shall walk in all the ways which the Lord your God commanded you, that you may live and that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which you shall possess”. You are also instructed
to remember the one who created you in the days of your youth, so that He would remember you during the difficult and dark years of ageing (Eccl 12:1).
A life without God will lead to a lonely and unfulfilled old age, full of regrets. A life centered around and lived for God will bring fulfillment and cause you to age gracefully. Even if sickness or difficulties arise, you will experience joy and peace. You will glow in the assurance that God is upholding you and will eventually carry you safely to the other side when your time on earth is up. Seek God now whilst you are young and active. Love Him with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your might (Mathew 22:37). Serve Him with joy and gladness. Keep your lips from speaking deceit and pursue peace (Ps 34:13-14). Put away bitterness, wrath, and malice. Do not let the sun go down on your anger, forgive easily, even as God in Christ forgave you (Ephesians 4:26-32). Above all, Fear God and depart from evil, it will be health to your flesh and strength to your bones (Proverbs 3:7-8). “When you let God’s love fill your heart, it will show on your face”. (Joanie Yoder).
IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Pst (Mrs) Oke Chinye, Founder of The Rock Teaching Ministry (TRTM).
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