Read: Psalm 103:1-16; 1 Corinthians 15:14-20
As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more. (Ps. 103:15-16)
As mortals our physical lives are fleeting. We really are like grass. As the hymn says, “We blossom and flourish, like leaves on a tree, and wither and perish . . .” (“Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise”). It seems to happen so quickly. Even if we make it to 80 years, or even 100, in the greater scheme of things we’re just like the grass and the flowers. As the saying goes, “Here today, gone tomorrow.”
Some react to this truth by urging us to seize the moment and live life to the fullest—carpe diem! That’s not entirely wrong. The Bible does suggest that we count our days in order to be wise (Ps. 90:12). Others react to the fact of our human mortality by sinking into depression. Knowing that we must leave or lose all that we love can be unbearably sad. And it’s worse for believers in Jesus because we have been so filled with hope in him: “If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied” (1 Cor. 15:19). The apostle doesn’t stop there, though. He goes on to say, “But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (v. 20).
Note that word firstfruits. That means there’s a lot more resurrections to come. Though we may indeed wither and ultimately perish, that’s not the end.
As you pray, ask God to give you hope.
David Bast is a writer and pastor who served for 23 years as the President and Broadcast Minister for Words of Hope. In his more than 40 years of devotional writing and preaching, he has been encouraging believers around the world to be shaped by God and his Word.
Prior to his ministry and work at Words of Hope, Dave served as a pastor for 18 years in congregations in the Reformed Church in America. A graduate of Hope College and Western Theological Seminary, he is the author of nine devotional books and Bible studies, including God of My Days,Why Doesn't God Act More Like God,Christ in the Psalms, andA Gospel for the World.
Dave and his wife, Betty Jo, have four children and eight grandchildren. Dave enjoys reading, growing tomatoes, and avidly follows the Detroit Tigers.
