“He satisfies my mouth with good things so that my youth is renewed like the eagles.
Psalm 103:4
Every time I meditate on these verses I’m struck by the thought of youth being renewed. Probably not so important to those at twenty, thirty, maybe forty, but you hit middle age and you become aware of the proverbial slippery slope. You understand the pull of gravity and all things you may not have appreciated in your parents take on new meaning and insight for you. Youth being renewed becomes an extremely appealing concept.
While we won’t ever discover the mythical “fountain of youth” we are able to find the one who is the source of all life and from him alone be so continually satisfied in Him that we are eternally strengthened and joyful. What if that is the key to youthfulness - eternally optimistic and carefree?
I’ve said before that the process of aging well has as much to do with our mind and spirit as it does our body. Proverbs reminds us of several principals ~
As a man thinks in his heart so is he.
Hope deferred makes the heart sick but when desire comes it’s a trees of life.
A merry heart does good like a medicine but a broken spirit dries the bones.
As well, Paul’s writing to the Corinthians says bodily exercise profits a little but godliness is profitable for all things. We can steward our bodies but the neglect of spirit and soul still gives entrance to ills.
This blessing from the Lord that is ours to freely and fully enjoy is forgiveness, redemption, healing, a crown of mercy and being fully satisfied with good things SO THAT youth is renewed.
I believe living in the place of fully satisfied in all the goodness of God is the key to aging well. Seeing and believing His goodness in all things shows up in our praise and thanksgiving. A merry heart, a thankful heart, are reflections of being satisfied.
King David wrote,
Bless the Lord oh my soul and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
Bless the Lord o my soul and forget not ALL his benefits.