In Isaiah 40:6 (ESV), the prophet was told to shout out the words, “All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field.” Not exactly a message to get excited about. Who really wants to be reminded that their existence is brief, limited, fragile, and fading (Isaiah 40:7)? Fortunately, that isn’t all the prophet was instructed to declare. He also reminded us that even in our frail state, there is hope found in the coming of the Lord and His promise to care for us like a tender Shepherd embraces the lambs of His flock (Isaiah 40:10-11). Because we bear the image of God, our lives are full of beauty. But against the backdrop of eternity, they are also brief. Our encouragement from Scripture is to hold fast to the knowledge that we are not like the flowers and grass which is here today and discarded tomorrow (see Matthew 6:25-34). Our Father’s love for us and promise of salvation for those who trust in Jesus is constant, unalterable, and endures for all eternity. “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11 ESV).