“A voice was saying, ‘Cry out! Another said, ‘What should I cry out?’ ‘All humanity is grass, and all its goodness is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flowers fade when the breath of the LORD blows on them; indeed, the people are grass. The grass withers, the flowers fade, but the word of our God remains forever’” (Isaiah 40.6-8). 

We depart. The word remains. We are temporal and the Word is eternal. We are like grass and flowers. April showers bring May flowers. But when the heat of July and August comes, the end is near. Withering and decaying take place. We are/were young, beautiful, and strong. We are/will be old, weak, and deformed. 

“Let the brother of humble circumstances boasts in his exaltation, but let the rich boast in his humiliation because he will pass away like a flower of the field. For the sun rises and, together with the scorching wind, dries up the grass; its flower falls off, and its beautiful appearance perishes. In the same way, the rich person will wither away while pursuing his activities” (James 1.9-11).  

I may have comforts in this life, but they are only temporary. Even spiritual comfort seems fleeting as if God is hiding His face from me. I yearn for His presence because my days vanish like smoke. “My heart is suffering, withered like grass” (Psalm 102.4). Our lives are fleeting. We depart.

But the Word of God remains forever. God’s Word does not change. It endures forever. Peter reminds us that the Word is the good news of the Gospel preached to all (1 Peter 2.25). The most comforting truths are found in God’s unchanging Word. The greatest of these is that the Father shall forgive all kinds of sin and cleanse us from all our filthiness. He began a good work in me. He shall complete that work until the day of Jesus Christ. The finished work of Christ brings full and free salvation to all who will believe in Him. The unchanging Word is the unchanging Good News of Jesus coming to die for my sins and rise for my righteousness. 

I have many comforts in this life. But these comforts often fail me. Temporary comfort is elusive, deceptive, and fails to live up to my expectations. These comforts are passing away like grass and flowers.

But the Word of God never disappoints. My expectations are great when it comes to the end of my life. I know that I shall not be ashamed. As I strengthen my faith, the quality of my life is eternal. Even the temporary blessings God sends my way become a delight. My faith is in Christ. My hope is in His soon return. Therefore, my love for Him deepens day by day.