In 1929 foreboding clouds were gathering over our great nation. The Great Depression was about to grab our country by the throat in an attempt to strangle the life out of her. This was a very dark chapter in our history. Ironically, 1929 was also the year Janie Metzgar penned the words to what became a classic hymn entitled “Where the Roses Never Fade” which painted a picture of hope.

This hymn begins with an expression of confidence that characterizes the hope of those who know that God promises His followers an eternal dwelling place with Him. The stormy years of the Depression caused many people to feel that all was lost and they despaired of life itself. It’s no wonder that the promise of a place like heaven could capture the hearts of people who were struggling to survive. But we don’t have to endure a Great Depression to realize that at best this world can only promise us old age, decrepitude, and death. 

On the other hand, in the realm of God there is no death, decay, or degradation. Imagine that! No getting old, wearing out, pain or heartache can ever “ruin our day” in heaven. Nothing will ever get old, especially the joy of an endless fellowship with God the Father, God the Word (Jesus), God the Spirit, and the redeemed of all the ages. Its impossible for mortals like us to even begin to appreciate a place like heaven where there is not even a hint of decline. Experience teaches us that in this world about the time we begin to appreciate something of beauty it begins to wither away. Disappointments abound here, but never in heaven.

In eternity, neither the beauty or value of anything will be diminished by time. Not only will everything be new and fresh, but it will stay new! The metaphor of Ms. Metzgar’s poem should cause all of us to think more carefully about all that God promises to those who trust and obey Him—there is indeed a place “Where the Roses Never Fade”. Wouldn’t you like to 

go there? You can—Jesus makes it possible. He is the way, the ONLY way (John 14:6).