“The grass withers and the flowers fade, but our God’s word stands forever.” (Isaiah 40:8 MSG)
Yesterday, my daughter and I took a trip to the botanical garden. We were waiting for the car to be serviced and the garden had been on her list for quite a while. A slow stroll through the flowers seemed the perfect way to fritter away the morning. We wandered for a few hours, delighting in the wide variety of blossoms and reading the informative plaques.
To think, all those blooms in their bright glory will fade and blow away in the fall breeze. But the Word of the Lord will stand forever.
I only need to close my eyes to be back at the Wailing Wall in my imagination. It’s one of those moments that I’ll carry in my heart all my days. Face pressed against the ancient, cool stones. Hands splayed in prayer. “These stones have stood for thousands of years but the I AM will stand forever.” His word to me in that moment still reverberates through my being. The earth and everything in it will pass away, but our God is eternal.
“Sky and earth will wear out; My words won’t wear out.” (Luke 21:33 MSG)
So my question is, what are you putting your hope in today? Is it in pretty blooms? In the seasons that bring beauty and joy and ease to the soul? Maybe you have assembled some solid stones of your own; a bank account, an insurance policy, a healthy lifestyle or a back up plan? What happens when the wind blows? Have you built your life the unshakeable foundation of His unfailing word? Be forewarned, anything less will whirl away when the winds change. But God’s word will stand forever.
Lord, let us build our lives on the bedrock of Your book. While we may enjoy the more transient things, let our deepest trust lie solely on Your truth. Help us differentiate the temporary from the eternal and place our bets on the things that will stand the test of time. Amen.