Standing on the Promises
August 24, 2024 — Laura House
I remember it like it was yesterday. A very young Nathan asked me if we could go to a particular place that day, and my response was, “That’s a great idea! Maybe we can. We’ll see.” Ryan, speaking from the wisdom of his older years, turned to Nathan and matter-of-factly explained, “That means no.”
When retelling the incident to Gary that evening, it made me laugh. I always genuinely tried to implement the suggestions the kids had, but sometimes it just didn’t fit into the plan for the day. Hoping it might just be a spontaneous thought from them that would wane, I’d sometimes answer, “We’ll see”, though I knew there was only a slight possibility that it would occur.
Have you ever overheard children making plans to do something and one will ask, “Do you promise?” They are just checking to be sure that the plans are going to actually happen. Promises are a big deal to a kid….and to all of us.
When Gary and I made a promise to our children, we worked hard to be sure those plans panned out. Still, there were times that an unexpected illness derailed even the most earnestly spoken promise, or torrential rains ruined plans for a much-anticipated camping trip. Our human promises, no matter how sincere, sometimes fall through.
Through this grief journey I have discovered that the promises of God never fail, never change, and never disappoint. Everything He promises happens just like He says. Let’s look at some of the promises that we can cling to and find hope in when this earthly life produces sorrow and suffering.
First and foremost, we have the promise of eternal life. Nothing trumps that. One of the most familiar verses in the Bible states this well. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” I’m looking forward to that; are you?
I’ll list a few others, but not in order of importance, as your ordering of them might be different than mine. Keep in mind that this list is just a start. There are many, many, more.
He promises strength. “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” - Isaiah 40:31
He promises rest. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” - Matthew 11:28-30
He promises His peace. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”- John 14:27
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” -Philippians 4:6-7
He promises comfort. “For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.”- 2 Corinthians 1:5
“When I am filled with cares, Your comfort brings me joy.”- Psalm 94:19
He promises that He will never leave us. This is one of my favorite promises for sure.
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”- Matthew 28:20
He promises us His love, His faithfulness, forgiveness, provision for our needs, etc. The list goes on and on. What other promises are you relying on?
Are you familiar with this hymn? The lyrics were written by Russell Carter in 1886.
Standing on the Promises
Standing on the promises of Christ my King,
Through eternal ages let His praises ring,
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.
Refrain:
Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God my Savior;
Standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.
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.
Standing on the promises I now can see
Perfect, present cleansing in the blood for me;
Standing in the liberty where Christ makes free,
Standing on the promises of God.
Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,
Bound to Him eternally by love’s strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,
Standing on the promises of God.
Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
List’ning every moment to the Spirit’s call,
Resting in my Savior as my all in all,
Standing on the promises of God.
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There are so many theological truths in that hymn, but the bottom line resonates the truth of God’s unending faithfulness to fulfill all He has promised. We can stand on His promises!
