Faded Flowers

 

A voice says, “Cry!” And I said, “What shall I cry?” All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the LORD blows on it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. (Isaiah 40:6-8 ESV).

 

Since we have had much less rainfall in our area of Texas than usual the bluebonnets were not as plentiful this year. However, other wildflowers along our roadsides have flourished. As you can see from this photo included today, driving through the countryside can be a magnificent display of God’s handiwork. As I began to reflect on these beautiful displays I was taken to the thought that they last such a short time. They sprout each year, flower, produce their seed, and then fade away only to be mowed and turned to fodder. That thought then began the process for the writing of today’s devotional.

 

Flowers are always a source of joy. In fact, as Mother’s Day has just ended, we know from previous years that one-fourth of the flower and plant purchases made for all the holidays occur at Mother’s Day, according to the Society of American Florists. Consumer purchase data shows that in 2021 more than 25 percent of adults bought flowers for Mother’s Day gifts. Our church participated in the frenzy in purchasing a long stem fresh flower for each mom in attendance. Mary came home with a beautiful yellow daisy. It was a thoughtful and beautiful way to honor all the mothers. However, even with the best of care, it will not last long until it too fades.

 

It is that truth that the prophet calls to mind in our reading today. He compares all humans with the flowers. Even with the best of care, we are all in the process of fading with age. Believe me when I say I am painfully aware of the process. And, there are those times when I am regularly reminded of that truth. As I have said before, ”Getting older is not for the faint of heart.”

 

Knowing all of this it could be a great discouragement for us. The prophet reminds us that the best of God’s creation fades, however, “the Word of the Lord will stand forever” (v. 8). Whether we take that to mean the “words of God” (Scripture) or the “Word of God” (Jesus), the encouragement we can take from this is the eternal nature of our God and that which He has given us spiritually. We are eternally bound and eternally gifted. Nothing can separate us from Him and His promise of life forever (cf. Romans 8:31-37). Think on that as you watch the flowers bloom this year!