Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1–2, ESV
When we feel overwhelmed by the events surrounding our lives and feel alone, we have a great cloud of witnesses that surrounds us. These witnesses go beyond time because it includes all followers of the one true God that have passed, are here today, and are still yet to come. In our Lord, we are a community of His chosen people. In Christ, we find the fulfillment of all things. We see our Lord, Jesus Christ, who entered into glory on a cross, an instrument of torture and shame so that we may be made sinless and fellow heirs to the Kingdom of God. It has been done and is complete, but we await the reality of this when we enter fully into glory. For now, our calling is to proclaim this to all who will hear. The desire of our Lord is for more to know. We know that there are many that are needing to hear the Gospel and are waiting to be freed as we who believe have been. Freedom is not what the deceiver has portrayed, which is the appearance of being able to do anything that may give temporary pleasure, but the eternal bliss offered to all who believe in the eternal glory of our Lord. We will face temporary suffering and struggles, but this pales in comparison to what awaits us all in eternity. Our Lord calls us to hold fast and be always ready for the day on which He will return. We stand fast within the midst of that giant cloud that is always around us, surrounded by fellow saints.
Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.