Two separate verses shared their encouragement with me as I read this morning. I’m always impressed when I read and find unlinked passages meeting like old friends. Here’s the first, from the Psalms:

The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love (Psalm 145:8).

I find it encouraging to remember, in a world where accusations trample graciousness, and anger rarely comes slow, that the Lord brings compassion and love.

Jesus spoke the second line my eyes lingered on today:

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away (Mark 13:31).

Only three things last forever—God, his words, and the souls of men and women. Jesus reinforces this point. Of all I do today, it’s nice to think I at least spent a few minutes with something that lasts forever.

Then perhaps, if the Holy Spirit reminds me and I pay attention, I might just reflect some of the Lord’s graciousness and compassion towards those other eternal beings around me today.

Psalm 145 & Mark 13 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by Isaac Wendland