Withering Grass

"The grass withers and the flowers fall,
   but the word of our God endures forever."

Isaiah 40:8

Skeleton Trees Greek philosopher Heraclitus is known to have said, "Nothing endures but change."  Nowhere is this more apparent than in the fall garden.  In the past week I have raked leaves that have turned a flaming crimson or vibrant golden tree into a naked skeleton.  I pulled up once fertile tomato plants that wilted with the first frost of the season.  Gone were the fragrant basil and the climbing vines. Colossal Elephant Ears which once stood watch over our yard now bow to the ground in defeat.  Our garden is readying itself for winter just as our lives are in a constant state of flux.  It sometimes seems that change is the only thing we can count on.

Circle of Life  We are like these trees and plants because our life goes through a predictable cycle. Many a man has worked his whole life to leave a legacy, only to be forgotten once he is gone.  As important and impactful as we think we are, we are all like grass; here today and gone tomorrow, with another blade ready to take our place the moment we wither into the earth. 

A Life of Significance  If we base our lives on the significance of ourselves, we are fooling ourselves.   But if we ground ourselves in God's Word, which does not change, we will live a life of significance, pleasing to God.

Heart in Check  When we base our life on God's Word, our heart will never be allowed to stray into selfish territory.  As scripture teaches in Hebrews 4:12, ". . .the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."  Living by God's Word means we will never rest in our sin but will be convicted to submit to our Lord Jesus Christ.

God's Ruler  God's Word is not wishy washy.  We know where we stand when we compare our thoughts, deeds and words to His standard.  God posed a revealing questions through the prophet Jeremiah.  "Does not my word burn like fire?” says the Lord. “Is it not like a mighty hammer that smashes a rock to pieces?" (Jeremiah 23:29) Measuring our life against the ruler of God's Word will always give us an accurate assessment.

Useful   God's Word is not just a collection of wise thoughts, poetic writings and historical works.  It is, ". . .God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2Timothy 3:16)  When we are open to the instruction, admonition, discipline, and preparation offered in scripture, we will be ready to do all that God has "prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesians 2:10)

As I begin this day, it is my prayer that I will allow God's unchanging Word to bring about a powerful transformation in my ever-changing life.

Where am I not taking God at His Word?

How am I depending upon man's shifting opinions or beliefs instead of upon God's infallible Word?