“They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.”
— Psalm 1:3 (NLT)
Have you ever found yourself longing for “the good old days” or straining toward “someday” while missing the power and potential of the season you’re in right now?
God never designed us to merely survive—we were made to thrive in every season of life.
I’ve had the privilege of walking through many seasons—young adult passion, marriage and parenting responsibilities, ministry highs and lows, and now this new chapter called “70+.” What I’ve discovered is this: each season brings unique challenges but also extraordinary opportunities for fruitfulness.
Here are five biblical and practical keys that have helped me—and can help you—thrive in whatever season you’re in:
1. Recognize the Season You’re In
Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
Young adulthood may be about learning, growing, and dreaming. Middle age might focus on building, leading, and mentoring. Later years open up time for reflecting, refining, and pouring into others.
Ask yourself honestly:
What season am I in? What is God emphasizing right now?
Don’t rush it or resent it—recognize and embrace it.
2. Remain Rooted in God’s Word and Presence
Jeremiah 17:8 speaks of the one who trusts in the Lord: “They will be like a tree planted by the water… its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
Seasons will shift, but your spiritual roots must go deep. I’ve found that my daily habit of reading the Word (OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs) and spending early morning time with God is a great source of strength, peace, and joy.
Whether you’re just starting out, raising kids, entering the empty nest season, or navigating retirement, one thing remains essential—spending daily time with the Lord..
3. Stay Faithful With What You’ve Been Given
Jesus said in Luke 16:10, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much…”
Thriving doesn’t always mean explosive growth. Sometimes it means quietly stewarding what’s in your hands—your job, your marriage, your grandkids, your small group, your talent, your team, your gift.
Be faithful. Sow seeds. Show up.
God sees. God multiplies. God promotes in due time.
4. Refuse to Compare Your Season to Someone Else’s
This is a big one—especially in an age of social media. God’s plan for you is not a copy-and-paste of someone else’s timeline or results.
In John 21, Peter asked Jesus about John’s future, and Jesus replied, “What is that to you? You follow me!”
Comparison leads to either pride or discouragement. Instead, ask,
“God, what does thriving look like in my season?”
You’re not behind. You’re not forgotten. You’re in the hands of the Master.
5. Believe That Fruitfulness Is Possible in Every Season
Psalm 92:14 says, “They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green.”
Don’t buy the lie that fruitfulness ends at 40, or 60, or even 80.
Some of the most powerful leaders, mentors, musicians, and spiritual fathers and mothers I know are still thriving well into their later years.
I want to finish strong. I want to be vibrant and fruitful in my 70s and beyond.
And I want to encourage you: Your best days can still be ahead—if you keep your eyes on Jesus.
Final Thought
Thriving isn’t about avoiding hard seasons—it’s about trusting the Lord in the middle of them. It’s about walking in step with the Spirit, bearing fruit when it’s sunny and when it’s stormy.
Let me encourage you today: Don’t waste your season. Don’t curse it. Learn from it. Sow in it. Worship in it. Live in it. And most of all, thrive in it—by God’s grace and power.
You were planted with purpose.
You are not done yet.
You can bear fruit—in every season.
Questions for Reflection:
- What season of life am I in right now?
- What does faithfulness look like in this season?
- Am I staying rooted in God’s Word and presence?
- Who can I encourage who may be struggling in their current season?
If this encouraged you, feel free to share it with a friend, or leave a comment. You can also check out other posts on worship, leadership, and life at markcole.ca.
Grace and peace,
Mark
