Still Green and Full of Sap

In old age they still produce fruit; they are always green and full of sap, showing that the Lord is upright.... Psalm 92: 14-15a NRSV

In Psalm 92, the psalmist is speaking of those who are in right relationship with God. The analogy is that righteous persons are like trees. They grow well when they stay or are planted near God's presence. In this verse, that image is extended to what they produce. Even when they are old, they are able to produce fruit. Old age does not take away the life inside of them. This is the Lord's doing and is proof of God's own love and support.

I am beginning to believe that most of these Psalms were written by older folks...they seem to be speaking about old age a lot!

What this psalm says to me is that if a person stays in a good relationship with God, it won't matter how old they get. God will make sure all that they do leads to good works and others coming closer to the Lord. God will make sure that they are young at heart, no matter their age.

Think of those that you know who are in right relationship with God. Are any of them in the life stage of old age? Do you see them as still producing good works? Do they still touch the lives of those around them?

Take some time in this next week to talk to them and ask them what their advice is in keeping a strong and youthful relationship with our God.

God, you are always behind us when we are in right relationship with you. Help us to come ever closer to you, so that not even age will dampen our witness to your life and love. In Jesus' name. Amen.