Youth and Old Age

The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing– Psalm 34:10

Why do you think the psalmist specifies “young” lions? It is for the same reason that Isaiah writes, “even the youths shall faint and be weary” (40:30).

There is a vitality and strength that usually comes with youth. Your mind is flexible and fresh, you body is energetic and resilient, and your spirit is confident and daring. These are wonderful resources that God gives to you while you are still learning, growing, and maturing.

But even all these advantages will not save you from disappointment or pain in life. Even the young lions, the psalmist writes, with all their physical prowess and boundless energy, suffer hunger. The strongest, most talented person on earth will not find lasting satisfaction, or avoid painful injury, by virtue of their strength or talent alone.

But they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing. Even the strongest youth will lack fulfillment and suffer disappointment, but anyone—young or old—will find success when they seek the Lord. God is able to provide what youth alone cannot achieve; God is able to give what strength alone cannot obtain.

What about you? Are you still relying on your own decisions, your own strength, your own assets to deliver you from defeat and dissatisfaction? Those who seek the Lord—and they alone—will find ever good thing that life has to offer.