Isaiah 40:6-11
Someone told me to shout, and I asked, “What should I shout?”
We humans are merely grass, and we last no longer than wild flowers. At the Lord’s command, flowers and grass disappear, and so do we. Flowers and grass fade away, but what our God has said will never change. Your God Is Here!
There is good news for the city of Zion. Shout it as loud as you can from the highest mountain. Don’t be afraid to shout to the towns of Judah, “Your God is here!” Look! The powerful Lord God is coming to rule with his mighty arm. He brings with him what he has taken in war, and he rewards his people.
The Lord cares for his nation, just as shepherds care for their flocks. He carries the lambs in his arms, while gently leading the mother sheep.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The temperatures are mild here today… it’s a good day for “outside work.” So my husband is busy trimming shrubs and blowing leaves. We have beautiful pink “knock-out” roses in our front flower beds, and they have actually bloomed and been prettier this fall than they were all summer during drought conditions. So we had an autumn wreath and “fall” pillows on the front porch, flanked by bright pink roses!
With recent frosts and a bit of a “cold snap,” the roses finally began to wither and fade. So today, my husband is pruning them back for a winter’s rest. We know that they will return next spring with vigor and renewed beauty. The rose is still a beautiful flower… my husband is still caring for the bushes…but the momentary splendor and loveliness has faded.
As I read this passage and thought about the roses, I also thought of my grandmother, who appears to be finishing her earthly life in the coming days/weeks/months. Her former vigor and enthusiasm have waned and faded… her ability to “tell you what” or even get out a good “my land a livin’” is gone. But she can still smile when she sees a precious friend or loved one. She still belongs to God...and I know that He is still here! I cupped her face and tried to soothe her one day this week as she struggled to get comfortable, and I thought, “This must be how God comforts us!” When we are frustrated, sick, lonely, and fading, God must stroke our cheek and say, “There, there… I’m still here! I am carrying you and meeting your every need. Lean in closer and feel my love and care.”
Every life has ebbs and flows… ups and downs… times of great splendor and beauty – and times when the loveliness fades. But we must always remember that GOD IS HERE! He has not left. God never fades away… His word is still true… His love is still sure… His mercy and goodness endure forever. This is great news! This hope and promise are what will lift us to “bloom” another day. You may be experiencing a momentary or temporary pruning, but with God, all things are possible… and your future is bright.
So when you start to feel frustration creeping in… when you start to wither and fade… remember Who is holding you, stroking your face, giving you strength and courage. Say to yourself… and to anyone else who will listen… our God is still HERE!... and be encouraged.
©2012 Debbie Robus
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