At midlife, we often become more aware of soul health as we have more time to reflect on how we have lived our lives and how we want to finish. How is your soul health, friend? Is your heart weighed down and discouraged today?

The mapping software on our phones is nothing short of amazing. I put in a destination and the map app gets me there, no matter how many wrong turns I take. If only we had the same app for midlife! I could put in my midlife destination--happy family, lots of grandkids, successful career, robust health--and day by day the app could tell me the shortest route to my dreams come true.

You see, God hasn't called us to seek comfort in the here and now, but to live courageously in these midlife years so that we can make a difference for Him! If that's our goal, we need to fix our eyes--and our praise--firmly on God rather than on our temporal circumstances.

No matter where I go or what happens around me, God is with me, God is helping me, and God is strengthening me. Therefore, I do not need to fear. Better yet, I resolve that I will not fear!

Ah, midlife! That season where we mark the years by the appearance of new wrinkles around our eyes and lines across our foreheads. In Psalm 42 & 43 we find that the experience of being face-to-face with God can uplift not only our hearts, but also our faces. No creams, needles, or surgical interventions required!

Have you ever felt surrounded? Thankfully, few of us have been physically surrounded by enemies on all sides with no chance of escape. But what if I change the question a bit, and ask if you have ever felt spiritually surrounded, backed into a corner, or under attack? Psalm 36 reminds us that God has provided a safe haven for his people right here on earth, right in the middle of the struggle. That haven is His lovingkindness.