“who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s” (Psalm 103:5).

Many people worry about getting older and are often concerned about the effects of ageing on their bodies. Some industries have profited from people’s desire to remain young, even if this is merely the appearance of youth. Cosmetic surgery is a huge industry and the wealthy and famous are nipped and tucked from head to toe to maintain the image of youth. The ‘fountain of youth’ is what most people are in search of. Some people use natural alternatives such as a good diet and exercise to remain youthful.

I think wanting to remain youthful is a good thing, if the routes to attaining this are as natural as possible. Healthy eating and regular exercise does the body well and helps to ward off lifestyle diseases. In fact, our bodies are a temple of the living God and he expects us to treat them as such. “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

I also believe that a relationship with God and our faith in him keeps us youthful. Let’s consider Moses who did not suffer the effects of ageing. “Moses was 120 years old when he died. His eye was undimmed, and his vigor unabated” (Deuteronomy 34:7). Moses did not lose his sight and did not need to wear glasses. He did not use a walking aid or other things to support him due to losing strength because of age. I am not looking down on anyone who require aids to support their daily functioning. What I am saying is that it is possible, through our walk with God and faith, to trust him to keep our bodies healthy and strong.

Caleb also spoke to Joshua about having the same strength at 85, that he had when he was 40 years old. “I am still as strong today as I was in the day that Moses sent me; my strength now is as my strength was then, for war and for going and coming” (Joshua 14:11). I believe that youthfulness, long life, health and strength are promises in the word of God. When we trust in him, obey his promises and walk in his will, then we are able to claim these blessings.

“Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:30-31).

A.P.-Y.

Published by Anneta Pinto-Young

I am a trained Social Worker who currently provides professional leadership on a programme to support Social Work students and Newly Qualified Social Workers entering the Social Work Profession. Born and raised in Jamaica in a Christian family where my father is an ordained Pastor and Deacon who has served for over 50 years in the ministry. My father is also a trained musician and our family can be described as a musical family. I grew up in a small farming community in St. Peter’s, St. Andrew and my parents also have a small farm. I credit my gift of writing to my father who I watched and listened to over the years as he wrote sermons, poems and other recitals in his capacity in ministry. English has always been an easy subject for me and over the years I have developed an increased interest in writing. I am a Trainer, I sing and have a passion for worship, the spoken word and the free flow of the prophetic anointing. I am married to my best friend Andrew Christopher Young who is an advanced Musician and whose music you can find on YouTube and Facebook. I am a trained Coach and Mentor and I love experimenting with food so I love cooking. I enjoy trying cultural dishes from across the world and I view food as an entry into cultures and languages.

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