26th October 2025
Praise for all seasons
…To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
2 Timothy 4:18 (NIVUK)
As Paul writes the words of our header scripture, he is imprisoned in Rome, not only facing death but abandoned by some of his friends (vv.10, 16), and yet his confidence and trust in God doesn’t waver. At the beginning of verse 18, he says, ‘The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom.’ Then, in a joyful response, he bursts out in praise, ‘To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.’
To glorify God is to recognise his supreme worth, honour and majesty; it is to acknowledge that all we are and all we have come from him. Paul’s declaration of God’s glory was not for that particular situation alone; rather, it is for ever and ever. God is not just worthy of our praise during the times when everything is going well, but always – yesterday, today, tomorrow, and forevermore. God’s faithfulness and love outlast our circumstances. His reign endures beyond our lifetimes, and so to glorify him is not a fleeting act but our eternal devotion.
How can we live our lives to echo Paul’s words? Here are some thoughts:
– Trust in God’s faithfulness and love which endures forever (Psalm 136). Like Paul, we will face seasons of hardship and uncertainty. In these moments, let us remember that God’s presence is with us, his purposes are sure, and his love is constant.
– Give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Whether we’re enjoying abundance or enduring adversity, let us cultivate a heart of gratitude, recognising God is at work in all things.
– Live with humility (James 4:10). Our accomplishments are not ends in themselves but means by which God’s glory can shine. Let us use our gifts in service to others, pointing not to ourselves, but to the one who gives all good things.
– Worship with expectation (Psalm 5:3). Expectation is rooted in a confident hope based on God’s character and promises. It’s a deep-seated belief in God’s providence and timing.
As Paul prepared to finish his race, he entrusted his future to God, confident that the Lord would bring him safely home. His response to God’s faithfulness is a doxology 1 – ‘To him be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.’ May this be the refrain of our own hearts, in every season, and may our lives be living testaments to the glory of God, now and forevermore.
Prayer
Loving Father, all glory and honour belong to you, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Whether in success or in trial, in both life and in death, you remain faithful. May we trust in your promises, giving you all the honour, as we live our lives for your glory, forever and ever, Amen.
1 From the Greek doxologia, ‘praise or glory’, a combination of doxa, ‘glory’, and logos, ‘a speaking’. Doxology – Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com
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Study by: Barry Robinson About the author: |
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Local congregation:
Grace Communion West Hampstead
Sidings Community Centre
150 Brassey Road
West Hampstead
London
NW6 2BA
Meeting time:
Sunday 12.30 pm
Local congregational contact:
Gordon Brown
gordon.brown@gracecom.church
Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church