Promises help form our understanding of the depth and quality of relationships. The more precious the relationship, the greater the promises that get exchanged. And it is expected that the more precious the relationship, the greater the desire and responsibility to keep those promises faithfully.
Verse two of the hymn written by Russell Kelso Carter in 1886, expresses the Christians’ dependence upon God’s promises to them, through Jesus Christ, and printed in God’s Word.
Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
when the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
by the living Word of God I shall prevail,
standing on the promises of God.
When life fails to meet your expectations, or you consider everything is going against you, that is the time to express faith by calling to your attention the promises God has made to you. Dig deep into God’s Word, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God (Proverbs 2:2-5).
You will be able to say with David, even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me (Psalm 23:4). As you choose to be content with what you have, you will cling onto God’s promise that says, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5), affirming not only your eternal security in Christ, but the daily presence of God in all circumstances. As you seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, all these things (food and clothing) will be added to you (Matthew 6:33), assuring you that God provides the necessities of life in all circumstances. Therefore, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you (1 Peter 5:7) we are able to experience a layer of peace that overshadows the stresses of our day.
Jesus’ half-brother James rightly instructed believers to count it all joy… when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing (James 1:2-4). When the enemy mutters words of defiant challenge in your ear because of personal difficulties, remember, he is a liar! As painful as trials can be, God promises that if you face them with a right and dependant attitude, those trials will manufacture steadfastness. Plus, as if steadfastness is not enough, God adds the extra blessings of promised spiritual maturity and Christlikeness. The very trials that others challenge God over, will be your source of accelerated Christian completeness and sufficiency in Christ. Praise God for such unimaginable grace to sustain us!
Don’t allow the world’s fear, suspicion, and mistrust, to drag you into a hopeless existence with no certainty and nothing but darkness beyond the grave. Believer, your Creator God lovingly and invisibly walks with you, providentially administering His universe for His glory while meeting your needs and preparing an eternal Home for you in heaven. With these realities in our thoughts, let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful (Hebrews 10:23).
