WITHERING GRASS
Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens.
Psalm 119:89 (ESV)
The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.
Isaiah 40:8 (ESV)
Ever struck by how short life is? Jobs end, relationships end, health changes and plans we thought were certain dissolve in ways we never expected. Even moments of joy, beautiful as they are, eventually pass. Sometimes it feels like nothing lasts, nothing holds. And in those seasons, it can be hard to imagine that anything truly endures.
I remember the time my grandma passed away. I remember how much she loved gardening, especially flowers. I was stung by bees several times while visiting her! After she passed, I stopped by her house, which had been given to my nephew, and saw that the flowers had wilted and were worn by the sun. It reminded me how short life is and that many of the things I enjoy don’t last forever.
Later on, I remembered the beauty of God’s promises. While the roses fade, God’s Word does not. While our plans fail and falter, His promises remain. The reassurance of Scripture—His faithfulness, His love, His power—is something we can anchor our hearts to, even when everything else seems fleeting.
Today’s Scripture reminds us that permanence doesn’t come from the world around us, but from God Himself. Our possessions, accomplishments and even relationships are gifts meant to point us to something greater, not to satisfy the longing for lasting security. God’s Word stands firm through generations, through trials and through the passing of time. When life feels uncertain, when joy is fleeting, or when grief overwhelms, we can hold onto His truth.
APPLICATION: Take a few minutes to reflect on God’s promises.
PRAYER: Lord, thank You that even when everything around me fades—the people I love, the moments I cherish, the plans I make—Your Word remains. Help me hold onto Your promises when life feels uncertain or fleeting, trusting that You are faithful and unchanging. Teach me to anchor my heart in You, finding hope and peace that outlasts grief, fear and disappointment. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don't let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?