“Fire, and hail; snow, and vapours; Stormy wind fulfilling his word: Mountains, and all hills; Fruitful trees, and all cedars: Beasts, and all cattle; Creeping things, and flying fowl: Kings of the earth, and all people; Princes, and all judges of the earth: Both young men, and maidens; Old men, and children: Let them praise the name of the LORD: For his name alone is excellent; His glory is above the earth and heaven. He also exalteth the horn of his people, The praise of all his saints; Even of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye the LORD.”
Psalm 148:8-14 KJV
https://bible.com/bible/1/psa.148.8-14.KJV
Don’t Be Surprised
There are some things that shouldn’t surprise us:
Winter blooming to life each spring.
The sun rising every morning.
Our ongoing need for food, water, air, and rest.
Change being an essential part of life.
Likewise, there’s no escaping the fact that life is messy and full of trouble. This beautiful world is fractured. But despite this, Jesus offers us hope:
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
What “things” had Jesus just told His disciples?
He was honest about the grief and pain they’d endure but also about the future joy they’d experience. He was preparing their hearts for His death and their persecution but also for His resurrection and their salvation. Jesus’ encouragement to His disciples is also an encouragement to us…
We shouldn’t be surprised that this world is full of challenges—but Jesus is bigger than it all.
Following God ...