There is a relational richness that comes from growing old together. It may be parents, a spouse, children, siblings, friends, church acquaintances or a work associate. They all contribute to a caring community. Regardless of the source of relational fulfillment, it brings to life the Lord’s creative design of intentionality in doing life together.

We are not created by our heavenly Father to be isolated and insecure. His plan is for us is to engage with each other in meaningful conversations, patient prayer, loving service and relaxing recreation. Families and friends who grow old together are able to work through conflict, overcome obstacles, serve unselfishly and celebrate God’s faithfulness.

“I will sing of the LORD’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations” (Psalm 89:1b).

Perhaps you and your spouse pray for three other couples with whom you can invest intentional time in fun, fellowship and going deeper with the Lord. They are in a similar season of life as you, so you are able to walk together with empathetic understanding and genuine prayer support. Consider a monthly dinner with games, a Bible study or annual trips together. It’s important to grow old with those with whom you enjoy each other’s company.

Above all else, grow old with God. The Lord longs to be there for you in the ups and downs of life. His strength sustains you, His compassion carries you and His righteousness rescues you. Everyday with Jesus grows sweeter than the day before for the Christian who grows old with grace. God does not give up on you and neither should you.

“The LORD rewards everyone for their righteousness and faithfulness” (1 Samuel 26:23a).

Enjoy the Lord’s ever growing influence in your life. Each season of service for your Savior is meant to draw you into more intense intimacy and love. Understanding and accepting Christ’s unconditional acceptance and love gives you peace and security to relax in His righteous arms. His aging process gives you permission to be yourself. Relational richness comes from growing old with Christ and with His trusted friends.

“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends” (Philippians 4:1)!

Am I intentional in growing old well with the Lord, friends and family?

Related Readings: Psalm 92:14; Ecclesiastes 4:12; Acts 2:46; 3 John 1:14

Boyd Bailey is the author of Wisdom Hunters daily devotional and two devotional books, Infusion and Seeking Daily the Heart of God

The fruit from a family who fears the Lord is tasty and delicious. However, this type of fruit does not happen immediately, but is cultivated over time. A fruitful wife sets the tone for the home. By God’s grace she weeds out criticism and replaces it with creativity. The home is her “pride and joy”. It is a reflection of her, as it is her nest.

A home to the wife is like an office to the husband. Things need to be just right or she feels violated. Indeed, be grateful for a conscientious wife who wants to express herself through the home. The fruit of a clean, decorated and ordered home is calming. It provides an environment of stability and frees family members to focus on each other and other people. A husband is free to do what he does best at work with a supportive wife at home.

A mother’s influence spreads like a lovely vine throughout the house. No area is left untouched. The children are nurtured and encouraged by her sensitivity. When instilled from birth, the fruit from children become obedience to God and love for the Lord. Their heart for God grows when parents read Bible stories to them as they wait in the womb.

The warm embrace of their little arms around your neck is the fruit of trust. The look of their kind and trusting eyes is the fruit of consistent love from mom and dad. Their bent toward love for God and people is fruit from their parent’s example of following Jesus.

Furthermore, family fruit flourishes when the man of the house models faithfulness. A husband’s intentional effort to follow the Lord ignites faith at home. A fruitful wife has no problem submitting to a husband—who submits to God. A God fearing man is quick to confess sin to his Heavenly father and to his family. It is not uncommon for him to say, “I am sorry” or “I was wrong”. Authentic confession encourages confession in others.

Confessed up hearts are family fruit. It is probable the family will pray, read their Bible and go to church, if the leader of the home does the same. Family fruit has a direct correlation to the faithfulness of the family head. Family fruit flourishes when the man fears God. Regardless of the circumstances he is committed to doing what God expects.

Therefore, your home becomes a hot house of character. The fruit threatens to bust through the glass panels for all to see. People are encouraged when they visit your hospitable home. Sinners need a safe environment, as acceptance comes from the fruit of Christ’s acceptance. Heavens dew and rainfall keep the fruit coming to a home submitted to Christ. Jesus says, “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples” (John 15:8). Fruit is proof of faithful families.

Does my character cultivate fruit that glorifies God in my family?

Related Readings: Genesis 7:1; Proverbs 31:15; Mark 5:19; Acts 10:2

Boyd Bailey is the author of Wisdom Hunters daily devotional and two devotional books, Infusion and Seeking Daily the Heart of God

It’s hard for parents to give away their child in marriage. It’s easy for parents to give away their child in marriage. These are the mixed emotions that most fathers and mothers feel on the wedding day of their baby. We are happy the Lord brought the bride and groom together in holy matrimony, but sad to see them go. There is a hole in our hearts.

But, from the beginning our Creator made them male and female for the purpose of becoming one flesh. God’s desire for oneness with married couples can only happen by leaving their father and mother and cleaving to Christ and one another. It is sad to see them go, but there is gladness—knowing they will grow in grace and in love for one another.

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen” (2 Peter 3:18).

In fact, our child is limited in their understanding of the Lord if they remain under our roof. For their faith to become more real and robust they must become their own man or woman. Faith is meant to flourish from the foundation of a Christ-centered marriage. They become one flesh in Christ, so they can learn to passionately follow the Lord and serve others. Parents have the privilege of letting their child leave well and cleave well.

Therefore, trust God with the transition of your child into young adulthood. Do not hamper their growth by hovering, but hold them with an open hand, and watch the grace of God grow them into trophies of His truth. Let them go and let them grow. The hole in your heart means you love them so much, so love large and let the Lord fill your hole of sadness with His cup of gladness. Cleave to Christ, as they leave and cleave to one other!

“But cleave unto the LORD your God, as ye have done unto this day” (Joshua 23:8 KJV).

Do I hold my child with an open hand? Am I cleaving to my spouse and Christ alone?

Related Readings: Deuteronomy 11:22; Judges 1:13; Acts 11:23; Romans 12:9-10

Boyd Bailey is the author of Wisdom Hunters daily devotional and two devotional books, Infusion and Seeking Daily the Heart of God