Day 6: Through all the changing scenes
A voice says, “Cry out.” And I said, “What shall I cry?”
“All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever” (Isaiah 40:6-8).
O Lord God Almighty, You are the true God; You are the living God, the eternal King (Jeremiah 10:10). You alone are the ageless and eternal God, unchanging, unshifting, unequaled: To whom will we compare You, or who is Your equal, O Holy One? (Isaiah 40:25).
Certainly not any other god— for You have declared and You have proven: Before Me no god was formed, nor will there be one after Me (Isaiah 43:10). And certainly not any mortal— the life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more (Psalm 103:15-16).
The rolling years remind us of the transitory nature of all things human. Times and seasons change— we move ever forward in hope, releasing the familiar past, embracing the uncertain future.
And Yet, immortal God, You extend Your grace and compassion over our passing lives, with the promise of Your eternal love: But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear Him, and His righteousness with their children’s children— with those who keep His covenant and remember to obey His precepts (Psalm 103:17-18).
And through all the changing scenes of life, we hold to the certainty of Your promise. For we we know that Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens (Psalm 119:89).
Through all the changing scenes of life,
In trouble and in joy,
The praises of my God shall still
My heart and tongue employ.
Of His deliv'rance I will boast,
Till all that are distressed,
From my example comfort take
And lay their griefs to rest.
O magnify the LORD with me,
Exalt His holy name;
When in distress to Him I called,
He to my rescue came.
The hosts of God encamp around
The dwellings of the just;
Deliv'rance He affords to all
Who in His promise trust.
O taste and see that He is good;
Experience will decide
How blest are they, and only they
Who in the LORD confide.
Fear Him, you saints, and you will then
Have nothing else to fear;
Make serving Him your sole delight,
Your wants shall be His care.
~ Nahum Tate and Nicholas Brady ~ 1698
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