"...in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing..."

"They shall bear fruit in old age;

they shall be fresh and flourishing,

to declare that the LORD is upright;

He is my rock, and there is

no unrighteousness in Him."

(Psalm 92:14-15 NKJV)

    Isn't that a beautiful image? A man, a woman, in old age still delighted in learning more from God's word, still improving, still growing deeper in faith, still joyful about God and the gift of His Son, filled to overflowing with complete assurance of God's power, promises, and truth because over the years they have relied on them and proven them true, and now more than ever they love to talk about and share their confident hope with others!

       "Therefore do not lose heart.

Even though our outward man is perishing,

yet the inward man is being renewed day by day."

(2 Corinthians 4:16 NKJV)

    We will continue to bear good fruit in old age when we daily renew our mind and spirit through reading and application of God's word! Romans 12:2 instructs us to not settle into the world's ways but develop and grow ("be transformed") in God's way, by the renewing of your mind. This mind renewal is mentioned again in Ephesians 4:22-24, where Paul gave command to the Christians to stop following their old, corrupt ways and instead be renewed in the spirit of their mind by following the new way created by God in true righteousness and holiness.

    Sin is always a downward spiral, but God's way, though difficult (Matthew 7:13-14), is an ever upward spiral! Learning => trusting => obeying => God's promises, His wisdom, His help proven true =>  trust grows stronger => desire to learn more => increased faithful obedience ===> up, up, UP!   As our roots grow deeper into the living water (John 4:10-14), our boughs will stretch upward, flourishing with growth and development in God's marvelous light!

    What can older women do specifically? Well, alongside the encouragement they provide to all by continuing to study God's word, happily obeying His commands, and faithfully attending church services - all things that will keep them fresh, flourishing, and bearing fruit! - I think Titus 2:3-5 gives a good answer! Older women can teach younger women, young wives, how to live properly before God, to love and obey their husbands, to love their children, and how to use their time wisely and well. They do this by example and with encouraging advice and admonishment. In doing so older women will be declaring God and His way as upright! They will make it evident to all that He is their Rock and that they have found no unrighteousness in Him!

    "O God, You have taught me from my youth;

and to this day I declare Your wondrous works.

Now also when I am old and grayheaded,

O God, do not forsake me,

until I declare Your strength to this generation,

Your power to everyone who is to come."

(Psalm 71:17-18 NKJV)

    You can do it! So can I!!