Feeling old lately?
On a recent getaway to Big Bear Lake, California, I watch my grandkids explore creation. Wide-eyed, they touch, taste, listen, watch, ask. What’s this thing do, Nana? What’s that word mean?
Everything is new to them, because they are new to the world.
I can fall into thinking I have all the answers they’re looking for—maybe even all the answers, period. After all, I’m not exactly new to this land, this life. In fact, according to my granddaughter, I’m old.
Ouch.
Except that the Word of God says I’m new. Or at least, I know I was “made new” back when I put my faith in Jesus. I’m also assured that my “inner self is being renewed day by day.”
Growing newer, even as we age
But here’s a brisk toner to splash our tired faces with: Being made new isn’t a one and done. It’s an ongoing process, not so different from how new skin forms beneath the surface, then makes its way up to replace the old.
And I have a part to play every day if I want my regenerating heart to show through, if I hope to glow visibly with Christ’s beauty: I have to exfoliate.
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Ephesians 4:22-24
And like any good skin care routine, I need to make it a daily habit. Cuz if I’m not vigilant, my thinking becomes dull as dead skin cells. I pick back up my old, fleshly way of seeing, responding, and relating.
Newness goes more than skin deep. Growing new, even as we age, happens in the heart and mind as we continually hydrate ourselves with Jesus’ teaching.
Bible open, I ask the Lord today, What’s this word mean? And suddenly I’m tasting and listening. I’m seeing with new eyes.
Hallelujah.
Got your sea legs on? Join my grandkids for a gripping 30-second voyage filled with high drama aboard the SS Imagination! (See video below.) Didn’t Jesus say to become like a child or walk the plank? Or something like that 🙂
Growing newer every day. I love it. Powerful truth… we are being transformed from glory to glory and becoming more our ‘eternal selves’ day by day. I released myself to the gray a few years back and the image in the mirror, without the artificial color, is definitely a reminder that time is marching on. But hallelujah, we have this promise of newness. I love the way this truth is expressed in Psalm 92:14… “They (the righteous) will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green.” — words to live by 🙂
Great scripture. Thanks for sharing, Tabitha… such an encouragement to me today!
Good word! Thank you for sharing!💗
So glad you found it encouraging, Joni! Hope you enjoy the rest of your summer with heart open and eyes wide.