Standing on the promises that cannot fail
when the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
by the Living Word of God I will prevail
standing on the promises of God
Next Step Devotion
The above words derive from the beautifully crafted hymn Standing on the Promises. How often do we repetitively sing worship songs and hymns without paying full attention to the message interwoven through each line? What a powerful reminder that God's Word always prevails, that His promises never fail, and doubt and fear cannot overtake us through Christ. I imagine the author of this hymn knew this was a message acutely needed to be heard and all to seldom preached.
This week on New Day Cafe our focus has been Standing on the Promises, during which we've sought to reveal and remind us of God's ever-faithful promises. God's word is FULL of promises on which we can stand during times of fear, doubt, temptation, weariness, pain, betrayal, and practically every other human emotion or experience possible. However, we may move through this life entirely unaware that God has a message of hope that speaks directly to the circumstance we are currently enduring. God desires for us to know His faithfulness so that we can stand faithful, His eternal hope so that we may remain hopeful, and His truth so that we may deflect the lies ensnaring us in the enemy's traps.
If we tried to reveal every one of God's promises found in Scripture today, we would not begin to scratch the surface. What we can do is help you "take the next step," to hide God's Word in your heart, when it comes to the promises we have focused on throughout the week. So let's take a walk through God's promises together!
God Will Provide
In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus teaches us that we should not worry. However, He doesn't just leave us on our own to figure out how to prevent those persistent worrisome thoughts. He instead gives us a sustaining promise on which to stand during those moments of the checking account running low and the bills forming a neatly stacked pile on the kitchen counter.
"Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things (food, clothing, wisdom) will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow" - Matthew 6:33-34a
But what does it mean to "seek first" God's Kingdom and His righteousness? It means that we place as first priority God's Word and what the Holy Spirit is prompting within us over what our checking account advises us. It means we choose to do business with honor and integrity when the opportunity to make an "under-the-table" or questionable business deal crosses our way. It means we do not cut corners at work when we feel we are underpaid or under-appreciated. It means we give to those who are in need and commit our tithes and offerings to the church, even if others around you seek to convince you otherwise.
We must never forget God's promise that HE WILL PROVIDE. Even when we fail to remain faithful, God remains faithful, because He cannot deny Himself (2 Tim 2:13). Make a commitment today that you will stand on God's promises of provision, not trusting in the things of this world (which leads to worry), but rather on the author and originator of ALL things (Colossians 1:16).
God Blesses His Children
Perhaps there is no other topical portion of scripture as large as blessings designated for God's people. While God's original chosen people are the nation of Israel, God extended his hand of eternal blessings to each of us through the blood of Jesus Christ and establishment of the New Covenant. Ephesians 1:3 shares God's promised blessings, proclaiming that God has blessed us with "every spiritual blessing in Christ." This can prove a sturdy foundation on which to stand when life feels void of all goodness, when you never seem to catch a break, and adversity seems to be all that's coming your way.
Innumerable blessings exist for us as God's children, but God likewise requires much from us as His children. There are certain undeserved blessings that are granted to us without requirement, just simply because of the price paid on the cross by Jesus Christ (John 1:16)! But God also offers blessings in response to our obedience, our seeking His face, and our service to God and others (John 13:17, James 1:25, Psalm 41:1-2). Here are a few of God's blessings for us, His children, that once revealed can revolutionize the way we walk with God day-to-day:
- “For those who are always generous and lend freely, their children will be blessed.” Psalm 37:26
- “If you return to the Almighty, you will be blessed again. So remove evil from your house.” Job 22:23
- “Worship the Lord your God and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you.” Exodus 23:25
- “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” 1 Peter 3:9
- “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12
God Will Guide You
Not only will He guide us, but He will guide us towards goodness, making our paths straight so that we may follow Him as sheep follow their shepherd. The reality is that the reason we often feel left without guidance from God is that we are not truly seeking HIS voice and HIS way, choosing rather to hold the reigns of our life and simply get God's stamp of approval.
This tendency towards control is natural for us as humans. However, if we will learn to trust God's word that if we trust in the Lord with all our heart, not relying on our own knowledge or understanding, that God WILL direct our paths (Proverbs 3:5-6). In our interview with Debbie Coty about her book Fear, Faith, and a Fistful of Chocolate we discussed how our unwillingness to trust the Lord fully with our life path only results in fear of the unknown, uncertainty of the present, and apprehension about the future. The remedy is God's firm promises that He has plans to prosper us not to harm us (Jer 29:11), will work all things for good (Romans 8:28), and will always be with us (Isaiah 58:11).
God Will Comfort You
When you are tired, beat down from the worries and disappointments of life, and feel as though you could collapse into a heap of dry bones, God promises you rest. While God is a holy king, a righteous ruler, and a sovereign judge, He also is a gentle and loving father. He desires us to come running to His throne of grace in our distress that He may comfort and soothe our troubled souls. Perhaps this is a hard concept for you? Maybe you did not have earthly parents who you could trust to welcome you with loving arms. However, you can turn to God's word and stand on His everlasting promises of safety, protection, and rest. Here are just a few of God's words to us promising His comfort:
- "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty." Psalm 91:1
- "As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you." Isaiah 66:13
- "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans." Romans 8:26
- "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning, or crying, or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Revelation 21:4
We encourage you to dive into God's Word and discover the promises He has made to us, His children. These promises form the solid foundation on which we can stand firm in our salvation! These promises are for each of us, so let's encourage one another through the hope of the knowledge of the goodness of God so that we might shine the light of Christ into a hurting world. Cling to these promises when waves are tossing you in sea of despair, and celebrate in them when God reveals His mighty hand in your life. All the Lord's promises prove true! (2 Corinthians 1:20).
Interview Recap
- Pastor Larry Corder - Matthew 6:33 - http://www.albertabaptist.org/
- Ken McLemore - Honor Thy Father and Mother
- Paul Roberts, SEBC Director of Library Services - Standing on the Promises - http://www.sebc.edu/
- Pastor Michael Wiggins - God's Assurance to the Children of Israel
- Debora Coty - Faith, Fear and a Fistful of Chocolate - http://deboracoty.com/deboras-books/fear-faith-a-fistful-of-chocolate/
- Pastor Pat Powell - I Will Give You Rest - http://www.emmanueltuscaloosa.org/
- Martin Houston - God's Promises for Giving - http://martinhouston.org/
- Pastor Bill Overstreet - Covenant Promises - http://www.capstonechurch.org/
Key Scriptures
Matthew 6:33 - But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
Ephesians 6:2 - Honor your father and mother - which is the first commandment with a promise.
Isaiah 41:10 - So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
2 Timothy 1:7 - For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
Matthew 11:28 - Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Luke 6:32 - Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with measure you use, it will be measured to you.
2 Corinthians 1:20 - For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through Him the "Amen" is spoken to us by the glory of God.
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