Youth Renewed?

“So that your youth is renewed like the eagles” Psalms 103:5b

    With some soreness of heart, I’ve been watching my 90-year old grandmother process the loss of her home that recently burned to the ground. Everything she owned was in that home and maybe even more importantly her way of life. A lifestyle with the comforts of keeping her own schedule, and doing her own thing, in her own home. A freedom we all cherish! More than the loss of possessions, she lost her freedom to live like she once did.  It is hard enough to give up your driver’s license because of the changes brought on by age. Changes that force you into an undesired surrender, that always seems premature. But to lose your home suddenly at an advanced age, without the hope of regaining what you once held so dear, is an extra-ordinary circumstance.  One that requires a gracious and heavenly perspective!

    So how does this promise of “renewed youth” apply to a 90-year old woman who has lost her home or any of us for that matter that are advancing beyond our youth? What does it mean to have God renew our youth like the eagles? Obviously we can’t go back in time. Even if we could I am certain many of us, if we really thought about it, would not want too. At least not with all the baggage that comes with being a youth.

    I believe the “renewed youth” spoken of in this passage has neither to do with actual age, time travel, or even physical rejuvenation but is referring to an attitude of the heart. A heart unencumbered by the fatiguing disappointments of life. A heart that is not jaded by harsh challenges but has softened through knowing His lovingkindness and tender-mercies in the midst of those challenges.  A youthful carefree heart that still believes God has good things in store for those who believe.  A heart full of faith, wonder, and anticipation for God to move in ways that will still take our breath away. A heart that is at rest in Him and knows there is still more beauty to behold, still more love to encounter, and more grace to grow in. A heart that knows God has a way of reserving the best for last. 

​     A youthful attitude of heart that anticipates soaring to new heights with Him!

    So regardless of our age or current disposition in life with the Psalmist let this become our declaration…
 
“Bless the Lord, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my sol,
And forget not all His benefits:
Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagles”
Psalms 103:1-5