"What is old?"

What is old the young man asked,

It must be you’re past thirty,

And all his buddies smiled and laughed,

Or when you’ve lost your perty.

What is young the old man asked,

Though he really didn’t have to,

Just understood it goes by fast,

And in a blink you’re all through.

So what’s between the young and old,

Is living life that matters,

Staying strong and always bold,

And fighting off attackers,

That threaten and intimidate,

But cannot steal your joy,

Because God’s grace is very great,

And His angels He’ll deploy.

Our day, our moments and our years,

Are all in Jesus’ hands,

And through the laughter and the tears,

We trust Him and His plans.

Start to finish He’s the One,

We live and die to please,

And thankful to tell everyone,

He will their burden ease.

“Therefore you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.” (John 16:22, NAS)

We all experience grief, and the struggles of life’s seasons. But in it all and through it all God gives us joy. Jesus told His disciples that no one could take their joy away from them. It goes without saying, however, that our joy will be assaulted at times. But, good news! No one can steal your God-given joy! And this is true at every age and stage. The most joyful people on earth are those who have learned this. God’s joy has become their strength. Get some.

Lord, give us joy, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Steve Boaldin, used by permission. Thanks, Steve, and God bless you.