January 31: New Beginnings Every Day - To Him Be the Glory Forever
Romans 11:36 (ESV)
“For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.”
Read The Full Devotional Below.
Growing Older, Yet Always Made New
Picture this: the glow of birthday candles flickering on a cake, faces of loved ones smiling around you, and the unspoken weight of another year—not a burden, but a deep, humbling reflection. Today, January 31st, I turn 44 years old. And while this day could be about aging, accomplishments, or milestones, it feels more like a newborn’s cry—a fresh beginning in a faith that always surprises me. This paradox, of growing older yet feeling new in Christ, reveals a truth so profound it almost overwhelms me: everything—from my past to this present moment—is for His glory.
The Question That Comes with Every Birthday
There’s something about birthdays that stirs both celebration and contemplation. We look back on the years with gratitude but also wonder about the purpose of it all. Is my life bearing fruit? Am I reflecting God’s glory in the way I live? These are questions that don’t fade with age—if anything, they deepen. And yet, the beauty of Romans 11:36 reminds us that no matter how far we’ve come or how much time we’ve spent wandering, our lives, our breaths, our very existence, find their meaning in one eternal truth: “For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen.” (Romans 11:36, ESV)
This verse doesn’t just speak to the vastness of God’s sovereignty; it brings clarity to every question, every milestone, every fleeting year. It tells us that our lives are not measured by accomplishments or even the number of candles on the cake, but by the glory we reflect back to Him. Today, on my 44th birthday, I’m struck by the paradox that while I grow older, God’s mercies are new every morning. It’s a humbling, joyful revelation—one that reshapes how I see not only myself but every moment I’ve been given.
The Depth of Romans 11:36
"For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen."
This verse is both simple and staggering. Paul is summing up an entire theology of God’s sovereignty in one sentence. Everything—from creation to redemption, from our trials to our triumphs—exists for God’s glory. It’s the thread that ties together every breath we take and every step we make. And when you pause to truly meditate on it, it shifts your perspective entirely.
On birthdays especially, it’s easy to focus on our achievements or regrets, on the march of time or what’s yet undone. But Romans 11:36 reminds us that the glory isn’t ours to claim. The years behind me and the days ahead belong to Him. My story, your story, every story is part of His masterful plan.
God Is the Source, Sustainer, and Purpose of Everything
Paul’s words in Romans 11:36 come at the end of a doxology, a moment of pure praise. Leading up to this, Paul had been wrestling with deep theological truths about God’s mercy and sovereignty. The phrase "from Him" signifies God as the source of all things. "Through Him" reminds us that He sustains everything by His power. And "to Him" proclaims the ultimate purpose of creation—to glorify the Creator.
Think about that for a moment: God is the beginning, the sustainer, and the culmination of everything. It’s a truth that silences pride and fills us with awe. When I read this verse, I’m reminded that even my own life—with all its twists, doubts, and unexpected blessings—is not my own masterpiece. It’s His.
A Birthday Reflection That Changed Everything
Turning 44 feels different than I expected. There’s a certain weight to it—not in a negative way, but in the sense that I’m carrying years of lessons, struggles, and victories that only God could orchestrate. Yet here’s the most surprising thing: despite the years I’ve lived, my faith still feels brand new.
I’ll never forget the moment this became real to me. It was late one night, long after the world had quieted. I had been reflecting on some recent challenges in my life. In the silence, I picked up my Bible, almost out of habit, and opened it to Lamentations 3:22-23: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” Tears welled up as I realized how often I had clung to my own strength, forgetting the One who renews me daily. In that moment, it didn’t matter how many birthdays I had celebrated or how many more I might see—I was, and always will be, a child in God’s arms.
This is the paradox of the Christian life. We grow older, but we also grow newer. The world sees time as a countdown; God sees it as a canvas. Every day, every year, is an opportunity to reflect His glory in a fresh, deeper way.
Practical Ways to Reflect God’s Glory
Surrender Your Story: Begin each day by reminding yourself that your life is not about your plans, your achievements, or your struggles. Pray this simple prayer: “Lord, let my life bring glory to You today.”
Celebrate the Newness of Grace: Whether it’s your birthday or an ordinary Tuesday, let God’s mercies renew your spirit. Start a gratitude journal, listing the ways He has been faithful, even in the small things.
Look for His Glory: As you go about your day, ask God to open your eyes to His glory around you—in creation, in conversations, in the quiet moments. The more you seek it, the more you’ll find it.
Live with Purpose: Recognize that every season, every age, is a gift to be used for Him. Whether you’re 24, 44, or 84, ask yourself: How can I reflect God’s glory in this season of my life?
A Life That Glorifies God Changes Everything
That moment you realize that your life, every breath, every heartbreak, every triumph, is not just random—it’s a masterpiece God is weaving for His glory… That changes everything. Suddenly, the weight of time isn’t a burden; it’s a privilege. The years ahead aren’t filled with uncertainty; they’re filled with opportunities to know Him more and make Him known.
The truth God is whispering to your heart today is this: You are His. Your story is His. And because of that, every moment of your life—even the ordinary ones—matters deeply.
Blowing Out the Candles with a Heart of Gratitude
As I blow out the candles today and thank God for 44 years, my prayer is simple: “To Him be the glory forever. Amen.” I don’t know what the next year holds, but I know who holds it. And that’s enough.
Let’s Close in a Prayer…
Heavenly Father, thank You for being the source, the sustainer, and the purpose of all things. On this day, I surrender my story to You once again. Let my life reflect Your glory, and let my faith remain fresh and new in Your mercies. Teach me to see each day as a gift to be used for Your Kingdom. To You be the glory forever. Amen.
An Invitation to go Deeper….
If you’re ready to reclaim your mornings and renew your mind in God’s Word, join the FaithLabz 30-Day Prayer Challenge. Let’s start each day with the story that truly matters: God’s love and faithfulness.
