In an address to the Wisconsin State Agriculture Society in 1859, Abraham Lincoln illustrated the profound and tempering effect that change can have on us. He told of an Eastern monarch who gave his counselors an assignment to come up with a truth that would apply to all times and situations. After careful consideration, they returned with this sentence: “And this too shall pass away.” Said Lincoln, “How chastening in the hour of pride! How consoling in the hour of affliction.”

Centuries before, John made the same point—that the world passes away, but he who does the will of God abides forever (1 John 2:17).