Once I was young, and now I am old.
Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned
or their children begging for bread (Psalm 37:25 NLT).

Often I find myself nearly apologizing at how old I am. Why do I do that? Our American culture celebrates the young and youthful. “You don’t look that bad for someone your age.” Or, “You’re not that old”.  Comments that say to me I’m not quite as good as I could be if I were younger, or not as pretty as when I was young. Yet, wisdom comes from living life.

If I were to give advice to someone who is young or old, I would (and I do when I have opportunity) tell them to seek truth in the only book that is completely true, the Bible.

There are many places to seek advice, but I have found the best place is in the word of God. My hubby, Jim, loves to read the longest chapter of the Bible when he is troubled, or can’t sleep, or just wants comfort–Psalm 119. The chapter is full of gems about God’s word. “Yes, I find delight in your rules; they give me guidance” (14). Rules? I like the rules? Think about what it would be like without rules. There are crazy drivers who ignore the rules/law and they cause havoc in traffic and danger to other cars on the road. 

In sleepless nights–like last night for example, I read “but I am firmly anchored to your instructions. I rise at midnight to thank you for your just regulations (61-62). “I believe in your commands; now teach me good judgment and knowledge ” (66). Often when I can’t sleep, I meditate–think–about what God says about many things. Last night, I thought about how God has been so faithful in my original family. Growing up, my parents faithfully taught us about God. In Sunday school, we memorized many verses that I most likely did to get a star or reward, but now they have become treasures in midnight hours when I can’t sleep.


My late Uncle Russ Jones giving insight from God’s word with Jim

I love this one: “Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live, for your instructions are my delight” (77). I like the phrase, “tender mercies”. Mercy is defined as “compassionate or kindly forbearance shown toward an offender, an enemy, or other person in one’s power”. That’s God’s mercy toward me. I am in his power because he created me. Tender is “easily moved to sympathy or compassion”. I have received those tender mercies countless times. Often during times of grief, but also in times when I was in the wrong and I had to apologize or acknowledge I was wrong. When I went to God to ask for forgiveness, I was filled with his tender mercy. 

Mama and baby

Here’s another jewel: “your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (105). I’ve described before my experience of stumbling in the Ape Caves in Washington state where without light, it is black. Inky black. If we didn’t have a “lamp” or flashlight it is scary dark. God’s word can be your lamp for guidance in every step you take in life.

My First Bible–a light for me

Lastly, I read in the New Testament this:

and how from infancy you have known the holy writings, which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:15-17 NET). 

 

Whether you are young or old, the best place you can go to for truth, wisdom, faith and be “equipped” for every good work is God’s word. Read and see what he says about anything in life. You’ll find out truths here that you won’t find anywhere else.

Listen to the song below sung by Amy Grant where words from Psalms 119 are used throughout the song:

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