At the time of this writing, I am seventy years old. I have discovered that the most difficult change of life for me is to get used to the loss of energy. I'm blessed to have good health and feel well most of the time but I can no longer work hard at physical tasks like I used to. At one time I was able to cut and split wood all day in the heat. I used to be able to do yard work all day without stopping and I can't do that any more! Last week while working with my son Jason in the yard I was reminded of today's passage. Let's listen to it together: 

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18) 

I love this, don't you? I sure wouldn't want to have a Bible without this passage in it! As the years go by, I feel my age more acutely. I have to be careful to keep my back straight, to protect my weakened shoulder, to not fall down, and to get regular check ups. Outwardly, to put it biblically, I am "wasting away." Our physical bodies wear down as we age and we have to spend more time in the shop. Inwardly though, God is renewing me day by day. I know Him more deeply and I'm more aware of His Presence. And now, I begin to think about the fact that at age 70, I have lived at least three quarters of my life. While I am aware of the slowing down of my body, I am energized in God. Jesus is enough for me, all by Himself. How about you today? Are you feeling the weight of the years? Rejoice!  

For as we heard in today's passage, your light and momentary troubles are achieving for you an eternal glory that far outweighs them all...and that's gloriously Good News!