War, pestilence, plagues, strife—people in biblical times faced hardship, and we face hardship today. Evil runs rampant, storms roar in, relationships crumble… All of these circumstances affect us. BUT there is a glory awaiting believers that will make the suffering of this life seem as inconsequential as a stubbed toe…and a judgment awaiting unbelievers that will make life’s suffering seem like a walk in the park. There will be hardship in this world, but—this promise is for you, believer!—take heart! He has overcome the world!
You May Also Like
Contentment
Contentment is something that seems to be in short supply in our world. Our culture doesn’t encourage contentment, but instead pushes us to think we need the newest and biggest and most expensive to be happy. But true contentment—the kind of contentment Paul is referencing from his prison cell—is found…
Declaring God reigns
Verses 6-8 mentions Moses, Aaron, and Samuel as priests who called upon the LORD on behalf of the rebellious people. These weren’t perfect men, but they strove to keep God’s ordinances. And God responded to their pleas. The LORD is always attentive to the cries of the people (even when…
He is holy
Our LORD is to be exalted because He is holy, and also because He is a righteous judge. That’s stated in verse 4. Although He has all the power, He doesn’t wield it like a dictator. His judgement is always fair and right, never influenced by a bad mood or…

