TODAY IN THE WORD
In April 1513 the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon became the first European to reach and explore Florida. Ponce de Leon was searching for a mythical spring called ""the Fountain of Youth,"" which supposedly restored youth to whomever drank or bathed in its waters. Ponce de Leon never found the object of his search, and eventually died in Cuba in 1521 after being wounded by an Indian arrow during another trip to Florida to establish a colony.

No ""Fountain of Youth"" exists, but who needs it when we enjoy the blessings of a heavenly Father whose unfailing love renews our youth (v. 5)? Today's reading is another psalm of praise that helps us appreciate and celebrate God's faithfulness.

This psalm is attributed to David, and who better to write of the benefits of knowing God? David knew the forgiveness of sin--his affair with Bathsheba was legally punishable with the death penalty. Earlier, David's life was at stake while he was being pursued by Saul, and he was forced to spend years hiding in caves and the desert. Throughout these trials, David had tasted the goodness of God.

David also knew that God was fully aware of human frailty--he understood and marveled at the way God formed life in the womb (Ps. 139:13-16). Finally, David knew as well as any believer who has ever lived the constant faithfulness of the Lord. All of this qualified David to lead God's people in praise.

We need the same kind of mercy and love that David enjoyed. And it is ours because God's love is the same ""from everlasting to everlasting."" The word translated love is the same word we have encountered several times this month--the unfailing, loyal love of God that is unique to Him alone.

No matter what our need may be, God has infinite resources to meet it. He is the perfect Father who graciously gives us just what we need, and answers the desires of our hearts.

God places a demand on us too, but it is a delightful demand. His fatherly love is shown to those who obey His Word and show Him the reverence due His name. No ""Fountain of Youth"" can begin to match the benefits of being the child of a faithful God!

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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
""Your youth is renewed like the eagle's"" (v. 5).

Sounds great, doesn't it? There are no magic waters or formulas for this kind of refreshment. We do have a suggestion, though. Pray through each verse of today's reading, inserting your name in place of all the pronouns such as you, yours, and those. Verses 1-2 get you started, since David wrote those in the first person. As you pray, thank the Lord for each benefit of His grace--and when you're done, see if your spirit isn't feeling refreshed and renewed.

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