Day 118 — The Way Forward — Worship Him

“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!” — Romans 11:33 (ESV)
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Romans 11 brings us to a place where theology turns into doxology—where deep thinking about God leads to heartfelt worship of God. After walking through the difficult and often debated truths of Romans 9 and 10, Paul does not end with arguments or conclusions alone—he ends with awe. He ends with worship.

“Oh, the depth…” Paul writes, almost overwhelmed. There is a sense that he has reached the edge of human understanding and is now standing in wonder at the greatness of God. “How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!” (Romans 11:33, ESV). In other words, God is beyond full comprehension. His wisdom is deeper than our reasoning, His plans higher than our perspective, and His purposes greater than anything we could fully grasp.

That does not mean God is unknowable—but it does mean He is inexhaustible.
Paul continues, “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” (Romans 11:34, ESV). The implied answer is no one. No one has ever advised God. No one has ever improved His plan. No one has ever given Him something that places Him in their debt. “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen” (Romans 11:36, ESV).

This is the proper response to the greatness of God—glory. The word “glory” carries the idea of weight, substance, significance. God is the weightiest reality in the universe. Everything exists because of Him, through Him, and ultimately for Him. Life is not centered on us—it is centered on Him. And when we see that clearly, worship becomes the natural response.

But Paul does not arrive at this worshipful conclusion in a vacuum. He has just addressed a pressing question: Has God rejected His people Israel? His answer is immediate and emphatic—“By no means!” (Romans 11:1, ESV). God has not abandoned His people.

Paul even points to himself as evidence: “For I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin” (Romans 11:1, ESV). If God had rejected Israel completely, Paul himself would not be saved. But he is. And so are many others.
Paul then takes us back to the story of Elijah. In a moment of deep discouragement, Elijah cried out, believing he was the only one left who was faithful to God: “I alone am left, and they seek my life” (Romans 11:3, ESV). But God responded, “I have kept for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal” (Romans 11:4, ESV). Elijah felt alone—but he wasn’t. God had preserved a remnant.

Paul draws the connection: “So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace” (Romans 11:5, ESV). This remnant is not preserved because of their works, but because of God’s grace. “But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace” (Romans 11:6, ESV).

That is a truth we cannot lose—grace and works cannot coexist as the basis for salvation. It is one or the other. And Scripture is clear: salvation is by grace alone.
Even when Israel as a nation struggled with unbelief, God remained faithful. There were always those who believed. There was always a remnant. God’s promises were not nullified by human failure. And the same is true today.

There are moments when we look around and feel like Elijah. We see compromise, drift, and spiritual decline. We may even feel like we are standing alone in our faith.

But God reminds us—you are not alone. He always preserves a people for Himself. That truth should encourage us. It should also humble us. Because if we are part of that remnant, it is not because we are better, stronger, or more deserving—it is because of grace. God, in His mercy, has opened our eyes, softened our hearts, and drawn us to Himself.

And that should lead us to worship.

Warren Wiersbe once said that the end result of all Bible study is worship, and the end result of all worship is service. When we truly see God for who He is, we cannot remain unchanged. Worship moves us to surrender. It moves us to obedience. It moves us to live for His glory.

Romans 9–11 magnifies both the sovereignty of God and the grace of God. It reminds us that God knows exactly what He is doing—even when we do not understand it. His plans are not random. His purposes are not uncertain. His promises are not failing.
So the question for us today is not, Do I fully understand God? The question is, Do I trust Him? Do you trust His sovereignty when life feels uncertain? Do you trust His goodness when circumstances are difficult? Do you trust His grace when you are reminded of your own weakness?

A right view of God changes everything. When we focus on His greatness instead of our limitations, joy begins to rise in our hearts. Strength begins to fill our souls. Hope begins to anchor our lives.

We stop striving to control everything and start resting in the One who already holds everything together.

Today, lift your eyes. See the depth of His wisdom. See the greatness of His glory. See the faithfulness of His promises. And worship Him.

Because from Him… and through Him… and to Him… are all things.

Prayer:
Father, we stand in awe of You today. Your wisdom is beyond our understanding, Your ways are higher than our ways, and Your plans are perfect. Thank You for Your grace—that You have saved us not by our works, but by Your mercy through Jesus Christ. Lord, help us to trust You even when we don’t fully understand what You are doing. Remind us that You are always at work and that Your promises never fail. When we feel alone or discouraged, show us that You are preserving a people for Yourself and that we are part of Your greater plan. Lift our eyes from our circumstances to Your greatness. Fill our hearts with worship and lead us to live for Your glory. From You, through You, and to You are all things. We give You praise, in Jesus’ name, amen.

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