Bible Thoughts

October 3, 1999

The old expression, "How time flies" is illustrated by the Psalmist statement. Man, at his best, is only a few years on the earth. In the blink of an eye, it seems, one can go from youth to aged. All the experiences and all of the joys consume one's life, and lo, behold the years are gone by with little notice that so much time has passed. The question often asked, "Where did it go?"

"I have been young" was David's comment on his past. Youth, with all of its promises, is but a fleeting experience, shortly lived and easily passed by. For most people, youth is but a short span. Adulthood lasts many more years. Yet, the influence of those years will be remembered and felt for all of one's life.

The conduct and behavior of one's youth can determine the course of life for that person. Mistakes made in youth can be difficult in later life. However, mistakes that are corrected and forgiven can teach one how to deal with problems of the future. Learning the proper type of behavior in all situations will enforce the strength of one's youth as well as make one stronger in later years. The writer of Lamentations said, "It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth"(3:27). Too many humans learn lessons in life too late.

Youth is a time of cheer and happiness(Ecclesiastes 11:9). The carefree nature of those who are young, the willingness to accept and adapt to changes, as well as the enthusiasm they possess gives vitality to those who are around them. Youth is contagious.

It is fitting for young people to remember the Lord and his word early in life(Ecclesiastes 12:1). Their dedication and devotion to principles of truth and righteousness can affect the older generations. Paul's admonition to Timothy: "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an ensample to them that believe, in word, in manner of life, in love, in faith, in purity"(I Timothy 4:12). Those who remember the Lord while they are young are more likely to remember him when they are old. My young friend, live right, act right, and think right; you will never live long enough to regret it.

"Now am old." Where did the years go, David? The joy of hunting the wild beasts, the satisfaction of slaying the enemies of God, the thrill of singing God's praises, the pleasure of talking with the prophets, the love of your own babies, and the strength of youth? As a shadow, these things are gone, living only in the memory of those who experienced them. What had been now shapes what you are. The mistakes are gone; the good times are faded; the health of young days has failed. Did all of these happenings make you a better person? Only David could make that decision for himself. How well he learned to express himself and his feelings in his writings(evidence of his decisions). The sweet singer of Israel recounted his life in many of the Psalms. Some were mournful; others filled with joyous praise.

And for you, my aged friend, as you reflect on the past, where do you stand in God's sight? Were you obedient to God in your younger days, but now have drifted away from the sound teachings of the past? Have you let the problems of life overshadow your thinking and actions? Can you remember the dedication of your soul and your life to the Lord? Do you recall how you felt as you sat among the saints to sing the praises of God and to feast upon his word? As you draw closer to the judgment day, what are your feelings? How will you stand in the presence of God knowing that you have forgotten the Savior that died for you? Or the brethren who cared for you? Or the family that will mourn for you?

Those who resolved early in life(and later, as well) to remain true to God's word and be faithful to his wishes, you will reap all of the benefits the Lord promised in his word. It will be possible to pillow your head in death with the knowledge that you did all you could for the Lord and His cause. You will be able to reflect upon the periods of life when you sacrificed for the one who loved you enough to send his own Son to die for you. The peace and tranquillity of aging can be seen only as a bright light shining in the future when one has been faithful unto death(Revelation 2:10).

"Yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken." The Lord does not give up on his children. Some of his children give up on him. Some when they are younger; some when they are older. Whatever one's age, the Lord will extend his mercies and his kindnesses to all who seek to do as he commands. Paul believed that and taught Timothy to believe it(I Timothy 4:11-16). Whatever may be one's age, the Lord will accept any person who is willing to accept him and follow the paths of righteousness.

"Nor his seed begging bread." The Lord looks after his own. If I am faithful to him, he will be faithful to me. The Lord stood by Paul(II Timothy 4:17); Paul stood with the Lord. Out of all of the perils mentioned by the apostles, the God he served provided him with his needs. The Lord still cares for his children; the Lord still looks after his children. Whether you are young or you are a senior citizen, the same Lord takes care of each of us. Do you care enough for the Lord?

"Casting all your care upon him, for he careth for you"(I Peter 4:7).