Mensa Otabil - Bearing Fruit in Old Age (10/01/2025)
Psalm 92: They shall bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing. This follows up from verse 13, which talks about those who are planted in the house of the Lord; they will flourish. Here it states that they will bear fruit in old age and shall be fresh and flourishing. This simply means that when we are connected to the Lord, planted in Him, and settled in Him, He makes us fruitful, and there is no expiry date to our fruitfulness. God helps us to be useful, fruitful, impactful, and to make a difference, no matter what age we are because old age can sometimes prevent people from expressing the gifts that God has given them. As people grow older, they tend to think that their time has passed, that they no longer have what it takes to make an impact.
When I was younger, I used to think that 40 was very old until I turned 40. Then I thought 50 was old until I reached 50, or 60 years old until I got there. Now, when I hear that someone is 85, I say, «Oh, that’s a young age.» When I hear someone is 88, I think, «Oh, they still have a few more years to go,» because our perception of old age changes as we grow older. God wants you to be productive even as you advance in age. There is no expiry date to you, and the Word of God keeps us fresh by providing us with new perspectives and ideas. The Holy Spirit refreshes our spirit, so those who are planted in the Lord bear fruit in their old age.
I want to encourage you that age will not limit you; age will not catch up to your ability and expression. You are not going to grow older and look at younger people and say, «Oh, this is just for young people.» No, you have to keep yourself young. Especially for those of you who may be a little older and have retired from work, understand that it’s just your workplace that has retired you; God has not retired you, and you must not retire yourself. You must not say there is no use for you. If you’re in your 60s, you are in the best years of your life.
In your 70s, what better years to have than 70? You have so much experience, and if you’ve walked with God for much of that time, having known the Lord when you were younger, then you have invaluable experience with Him. God can use you greatly. Those who are planted in the Lord shall flourish and bear fruit in their old age. May the Lord cause you to bear fruit in your old age and, in every area of your life, God can make you fruitful. Remember, in the Bible, Moses started his ministry at 80 years of age, and Abraham had Isaac at 99 years.
Many people have started later in life and still accomplished so much. God can still cause you to be fruitful in your old age. Sarah had Isaac at a very old age, and Elizabeth had John the Baptist at a very old age. God has a way of choosing people everyone has given up on and using them to achieve amazing and miraculous things. That is why He is a miracle-working God. May God give you a testimony in your old age.
As you grow older, may the Lord renew your strength; may the Lord make you fruitful and impactful in all that you do. Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall bear fruit in their old age. Let’s share a word of prayer together. Say with me: «Heavenly Father, keep me fresh and resourceful. Help me to continue being productive all the days of my life. In Jesus' name, Amen.» Time will not shut you out; God still has a lot for your life. I’m Pastor Mensa Otabil. Shalom, peace, and life to you.