Monday, Feb. 22: Standing on the Promises of God!

When I look at the world today, I see more brokenness than I ever have seen before. In the midst of a recession, most of the political pundits have told us that the recession is over. The 10.6% of the population in the United States that is unemployed would probably disagree with that assessment. In addition to that 10.6% are the people on total commission or the self-employed, who might still be employed, but their pay is much lower than ever before. I am struggling, but when I look around, I realize that so many others are in the same or worse positions.


What would the Lord have us do in the midst of this trial? Faith isn’t tested when everything is coming up roses. God never makes mistakes, so any situation that we find ourselves in has been designed specifically for us. With so many people hurting, this week’s devotionals will remind us to stand on the promises of God. R. Kelso Carter, who lived from 1849-1926, wrote the words and music to the great hymn, and I’m sure it spoke loudly to the folks enduring the Great Depression only a few years later. Here are the words:


“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.
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 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, listening every moment to the Spirit's call,
resting in my Savior as my all in all, standing on the promises of God.
Standing, standing, standing on the promises of Christ my Savior;
standing, standing, I'm standing on the promises of God.”


What a great reminder! God’s Word is filled with promises to us, and He has not broken a promise. That is the beauty of His Word, as we can see time and time again, how steadfast He is to follow through on every promise. Sometimes, when we are going through tough times, it is better to remind ourselves of these promises, rather than to struggle in the trial.