Let’s hold that question in our minds and answer it in a roundabout way. 

 

If we contrast the perspective of our short life on earth in light of God’s eternal existence, this changes the picture of “old” or “young” completely! God does not live within the confines of time and space as we do in our earthly bodies and finite minds. He created time and space and therefore is not subject to their boundaries. 

 

The same can be said for our spirit. It is eternal and is only temporarily captive inside our earthly bodies, these “jars of clay.” (2 Corinthians 4:7)

 

We age every day. Every breath draws us closer to physical death, whether that is in 5 years or 50 years. However, our spirit doesn’t age; it expands. Psalm 22:26 says, "May your hearts live forever!” We can spend our earthly time gaining knowledge and wisdom from God’s Word and the Holy Spirit to expand our awe of God and establish a holy fear and reverence in which to live our time on earth. Practicing the teaching of Jesus surely will expand our love for God and especially our love for others. But this is only a short time before “forever.”

 

 2 Corinthians 5:2 says, “For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling.” Calling our body a “tent” really puts into perspective how temporary this earthly dwelling place of our spirit really is.

 

Is there really any reason to mourn the passing of our youth, if we are longing for our heavenly dwelling? I would venture to say no. The humble years we invest into expanding our spirit in the knowledge and truth of God are to be treasured. Years and decades of seeking God will bring nothing but gladness. Certainly there will be no regrets.

 

So if your years are passing quickly like mine, we must pray, “Lord, revive my heart!” He will hear us and refresh us; our souls are youthful and fresh to him who made us:

 

(The righteous) still bear fruit in old age;
 they are ever full of sap and green,

to declare that the Lord is upright;
 he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.

Psalm 92:14-15

 

There is no denying that physical aging brings its own set of challenges. Decay is already setting in long before actual death arrives. This is why our bodies ache and groan. Disease and malfunction may set in. King David addressed aging in an eternal light centuries ago:

 

I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:23-26

 

And although my “flesh and my heart may fail,” my body is decaying and my heart is still sinful, God is my chosen portion for eternity. As my heavenly father, he will counsel me, guide me, and eventually welcome me in eternity.

 

The earthly vantage point that prizes youthfulness misses the mark of what God deems important: communion with him, young or old, rich or poor. But he still recognizes that our human limitations and struggle to grasp the eternal. So he explains his fellowship with us in a way we can understand: our youth is “renewed.” Our spirit is expanded. “(The Lord) who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:5)

 

Aging helps us glimpse eternity now and then. We realize that the silly trinkets on earth are pointless. (See 1 John 2:17) It becomes easier for us to pray, “Lord, I seek you for eternal fellowship.” And we have comfort in knowing that the Father has lovingly drawn us close to him to spend eternity with him. John 6:44 says, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.”

 

Growing older has a secret sweetness of knowing the Lord is with me. I can look back over years and decades and see the alters of worship I have erected. I see the battle grounds covered with the carcasses of sin and bad relationships. I see my tents filled with the wine and honey of provision. I hear the joy and laughter of the people I love. This is a gift not given to the youth. 

 

It is a reassuring thought that God has promised to spend an eternity with us. We will never be alone or in need. Our sweet, heavenly Father promises that we, the needy, will never be lacking. We who are spiritually poor will be eternally rich, wanting for nothing. Jesus said, “Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” (John 7:38) 

 

Our jars of clay are crumbling, but our revived spirits are expanding! Praise God for his eternal provision for us. 💕

 

For Further Reading: 2 Corinthians 4-5, Isaiah 40