Picture the astonishing scene John sees as Christ gathers the redeemed from every people on earth: “a great multitude that no one could count, from every mountain, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. They cried out in a loud voice, saying,”Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”

In a world filled with uncertainty, Romans 5:1-5 invites us to rest in the unshakable peace that comes through Jesus Christ. These verses remind us that faith in Christ gives us access to God’s grace, strength for every trial, and a hope that will next fail. As you reflect on this passage, may your heart be encouraged by the truth that God is working in every season of your life.

When we stop long enough to take an inventory of our life’s circumstances, it can be a bit overwhelming. Everything in our news and on our technological platforms keep us wound up like a tight spring. And when it comes to the challenges we will inevitably face, we have to pick and choose our battles. Remembering the Lord allows the rain to fall on the Just as well as the Unjust. Therefore, it is imperative that before we get in the heat of our battles, we know who is able to bring about success in all things.

At the heart of Psalm 8 is an enduring question: “What are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them?” (v.4) Specifically, who are we in the grand scheme of God’s vast and magnificent creation? What value, significance, purpose, or merit do we have, such that God chooses to be “mindful” of us that God bothers to care for us? Psalm 8 reminds us that we each hold an honored place in God’s eyes. We are invited into his grandeur of creation to consider the mystery of divine attention and care. It is both humbling and empowering to recognize that, despite our limitations, God chooses us to serve in his ongoing work. Our purposeful mission is to be obedient faithfulness.