It is so easy to get discouraged and lose perspective when the world around you is falling apart at the seams. But God’s Word gives to us as believers a hope that is real even in the midst of trials and tribulations (John 16:33; Romans 5:1-5).

God’s Word gives us a most needed perspective (2 Corinthians 4:17,18). We know as Christians that this present life is but a vapor (James 4:14). We live but one step away from eternity. This present life is not about amassing great wealth or obtaining success as the world would define it. It is about seeking first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33,34) and being faithful to Jesus Christ, in order that we may give a witness of the hope that is within us (1 Peter 3:15).

As Christians living in America, we are beyond a shadow of a doubt the most materially blessed of all people, for God in His providence has allowed us the privilege to live in this most prosperous nation. Even the poorest of us reading this devotional have a standard of living that exceeds the majority of the people on planet earth. We are indeed loaded with daily benefits by the God of our salvation (Psalm 68:19). If we are not careful though, these very benefits can cause us to become calloused to why we have been redeemed.

We have been saved by the grace of God in order that we may do all things for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). We have been redeemed to extol the God of our salvation (Psalm 145:1). As we read in today’s study, the multitude from all nations and peoples stand before the throne and before The Lamb crying out: “Salvation belongs to our God who sits upon the throne, and unto the Lamb!” (Revelation 7:9,10) Even in the midst of the great tribulation, souls are coming to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, The Lamb of God (Revelation 7:14).

The cry of that multitude reminds us that the most glorious benefit we are given is the forgiveness of sin (Psalm 103:1-5). We, like the Psalmist, could rightly ask the question, “What shall I render unto the LORD for all His benefits toward me?” (Psalm 116:12). The economy might fail, our health might fail, but our God never fails. “Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls– Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” (Habakkuk 3:17-18) Yes, beloved, we are truly a blessed people. Rejoice with me that our names are written in the Lamb’s book of Life!