Our Father’s World

31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Have you stood outside on a dark, clear night, looked up at the stars, and felt small in the vastness of the universe? In such moments when we feel small and vulnerable, we can take comfort in knowing that our Father in heaven created the sun, the moon, and stars, as well as all of the earth—including each one of us.

Closely linked to God’s creating power are his sustaining and governing powers over the entire cosmos he has made. Nothing in creation is insignificant in God’s hands—not because he’s a “control freak” but because God cares for all he has made. God even knows the number of hairs on our heads (Matthew 10:30).

Knowing that God has the whole world and every one of us in his hands, we can live with great confidence—no matter where life’s paths take us. In times of health and prosperity, we can give thanks for God’s many blessings and in turn share those blessings with others. And when we encounter difficulties and hardships, we can also give thanks. For in times like that, we grow in trust and in patience as we lean on our Father, who cares for us and will always provide for us.

God, our heavenly Father and sustainer, we have nothing to dread or fear when we lean on you, our refuge and strength. Amen.