GOD PERFECTS DESTINIES OF YOUTH

For You are my hope, O Lord God; You are my trust from my YOUTH (Psalm 71: 5).

GOD PERFECTS DESTINIES of YOUTH: “For You are my hope, O Lord God; You are my trust from my YOUTH…O God, You have taught me from my YOUTH; and to this day I declare Your wondrous works” (v.5, 17). God is never tired of perfecting destinies. He never quits on His chosen and called people. We’ve seen that Divine Perfections are multidimensional in manifestation – covering all sectors of being and existence: spirit, soul, and body; spiritual, emotional, mental, physical, relational, social, financial, and other dimensions of destiny: “You shall increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side” (Psa.71:.21). We’ve also seen that God perfects destinies from the womb. The Psalmist discovered this truth and responded with an attitude of gratitude: “By You I have been upheld from birth; You are He who took me out of my mother’s womb. My praise shall be continually of You” (v.6).

The next vital truth is that Divine Perfections are Lifelong: they cover our lifespan – from the dawn of the womb to the twilight of life. God is committed to perfecting that which concerns us right from the womb. We’ve examined the Womb Phase of Destiny Perfection. The Lord God who perfected my conception and securely sustained me till maturation in my mother’s womb is more than able to defend all dimensions of my destiny. He who kept me in the womb will surely keep me in the world. David said: “I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread” (Psa.37:25).

Let’s meditate on the Youth Phase of Destiny Perfection. David spoke of this Season: “For You are my hope, O Lord God; You are my trust from my YOUTH” (v.5). David had proved his faith by extraordinary exploits when he was a ruddy youth. This was to him a reassuring recollection, and he felt persuaded that the God of his youth would not forsake him in all through life (v.18). In these days of generational decadence, it is the height of favour to be able to say, like David, Samuel, Josiah, and Timothy and others, “You are my trust from my youth”! The joyful reflection upon youthful piety and acknowledging of God in youth will be great gratification in old age. It’s especially in our youthful years that we must endeavour to remember our Creator, because that’s when we are most inclined to forget Him: “Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, before the difficult days come, and the years draw near when you say, “I have no pleasure in them”” (Ecc.12:1).

The world’s slogan is: “Youth for pleasure, middle age for business, old age for religion.” The Bible stance is: “Youth, middle age, and old age for our Creator.” There is no better time than childhood and youth, to submit to the perfecting hands of the Perfect Potter. The years of youth are the most active and energetic years: the gas is still full; bodies are strong and muscular; minds are sharp and vibrant; senses are keen and fiery; wills are steely and unwavering; and enthusiasm is burning bright. Youthful sensitivity and receptivity enhance our perception of the Creator, before the evil days of callous indifference set in. We learn more in our youth than in any other phase of life. Moreover, these are minefield years: hormones, peer pressure, alcohol, drugs, pornography, and immorality. Few navigate these years without exploding or expiring. Dangers abound on every side – and on the inside. Some “first” temptations become “last” temptations! How much we need our Creator to keep and carry us through this battlefield!

David's triumphant conclusion testifies to God’s Lifelong Perfections of Destiny – from the womb, through the years of youth, to old age: “I have become as a WONDER to many, but You are my strong refuge” (v.7). May this be our testimony! Because God will not forsake the works of His hands, my life and destiny would be “as a WONDER to many”!