It is profoundly significant that Peter begins the main body of His first letter with words of blessing/praise to God for the living hope of the Gospel (1 Pet. 1:3ff). The greatest need of Peter’s persecuted, troubled readers was to hold fast to the Gospel by faith, and join him in joyfully praising God for His great mercy.
Beloved, this is always our greatest need as well – to hold fast to the living hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and praise God accordingly in obedient faith.
CJ Mahaney said it well in a recent message: “The less you hold fast the gospel, the more you’ll complain about everything else.”
May God help us to live lives that overflow with praise because of His great mercy to us in Jesus Christ!