They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God.
In old age they still produce fruit; they are always green and full of sap.
✙ Ps 92:12-14
This portion of Psalm 92 is just lovely—for several reasons. First, two kinds of flourishing trees are mentioned in verse 12, and they are very different. So what are the righteous like? Apparently no two are alike: Diversity is part of who God's people are.
Why do the righteous flourish? Not because of who they are, but because of where they're planted: in God's house (v. 13). This might mean more than one thing to the Christian. We flourish:
Verse 14 reminds us that old age does not change who a child of God is. The world may see an aged Christian and think their glory days are behind them. But in God's eyes, and in a disciple's heart, the best is, and always will be, yet to come.
Why do the righteous flourish? Not because of who they are, but because of where they're planted: in God's house (v. 13). This might mean more than one thing to the Christian. We flourish:
- when our life is lived among the people of God, i.e. as a member of Christ's body.
- when our life is rooted in God's word—not just listening to a sermon or attending an occasional Bible study, but meditating on the word regularly.
- when our life is steeped in prayer and lived in God's presence.
Verse 14 reminds us that old age does not change who a child of God is. The world may see an aged Christian and think their glory days are behind them. But in God's eyes, and in a disciple's heart, the best is, and always will be, yet to come.
Thank you, Lord, that among those whom you claim as your children, no two people are alike. May my life be grounded in you; and in good times and bad, please remind me that ahead of me lies the glory of eternity with you. I pray this in the Name of the One who taught me to pray...
bruce springsteen
