Old men and children. Let them praise the name of the LORD (Ps 148:12-13).

Young people (children) who know the Lord, often boast about and are empowered by his strength, his power to help fight the battles, his challenges to go out and make things right and to gallantly protect all those who are disadvantaged and being mistreated. The youth often see the injustice and hypocrisy that is seemingly rampant in the adult world. And they ask God for the wisdom to go out and make things better (as they should).

Old men and women who know the Lord, often boast and rest in his faithfulness, his ever-present help, his unmerited and unchanging love, the comfort of his quiet presence. Older folks have been through the battles, have won some, lost others. We peer back and remember much. And through it all, most of all, we see a faithful friend who never left us. And we wonder if perhaps that may have been the point, to help others, yes, but to also personally experience the faithfulness of an I-Will-Never-Leave-You-God. And we ask God for the strength to share with others how he has and can make things better (as we should).

We are all at different places in life, with various passions, talents and resources. We’ll often notice that trotting along behind youth is energy, strength and a passion to change the world. If that’s you, go make things better. As we reach ‘elderly’ status, often we’ll find waiting for us there the wisdom of experience and an understanding heart. Is that you? Go make things better. And for all the rest who are somewhere in between, to you too I say, “Trust the Lord and go make things better, my friend.”

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalms 46:1). I can do all things through Him who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). Old men and children. Let them praise the name of the LORD (Ps 148:12-13).

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