We’ve had a couple of days of very cold weather with a little snow. I know I shouldn’t complain, there are places in the US that have been hit much harder, but I really don’t like this weather.

But tomorrow starts the warm up, and according to our local meteorologist, we can expect 65° temperatures by the end of this week.

Today I am thankful for the promise of Spring. With that promise comes new birth and new life.

There are plenty of promises that we as Christians can hold on to. So since it’s Sunday, let’s take a look at an older blog post about the hymn, “Standing on the Promises.”

“Standing on the Promises” – Musical Musings in March

Do you remember that old hymn? I certainly do. However, as I sang it in years past, I am certain that I never fully understood the whole message. I probably didn’t really sing the words of this hymn. The message that not only does God keep His promises, but we can stand firm in knowing that He keeps His promises. Take a look at these lyrics.

“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.

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.

Refrain:
Standing, standing,
standing on the promises of Christ my Savior;
standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.[i]

Wow! What powerful words! Is there a line that speaks to you today? There were a few for me.

I’m working through a Bible study on prayer walking and at one point the author reminded me, “What God promises, He performs.”[ii] I don’t know about you, but I know there have been some of God’s promises that I’ve simply overlooked. Perhaps even ignored. But why? Why would we possibly do that?

Because if we ask for His promises to be fulfilled within us, then it’s time for us to go to work. We must do something with that fulfilled promise and that something means giving of ourselves.

Just think of what I’ve missed! Maybe you’ve missed it too! So today let me offer a few of the ideas from the short two pages of this book on God’s promises. See if you come to a different understanding as I have.

According to 2 Peter 1:3-4, we know God has given us promises. “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”

Yes, promises, but this verse points out that they are great and precious.

So what are some of the promises we’ve missed along the way or haven’t completely accepted? Let’s look at a few.

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14 – NIV)

“Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4 – NIV)

“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” (Psalm 55:22 – NIV)

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105 – NIV)

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 – NIV)

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23 – NIV)

“The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” (Lamentations 3:25-26 – NIV)

“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.” (Isaiah 41:10 – NIV)

“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” (John 14:26 – NIV)

“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8 – NIV)

“Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16 – NIV)

“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5 – NIV)

There are plenty more where these came from…if you think you need more, just open God’s Word and allow Him to show them to you. You’ll be amazed.

Now, take a look at this paragraph from Randy Sprinkle.

“Prayer according to His promises is not only prayer according to His will, it is also already-being-answered prayer. As followers of Jesus, every promise to us carries an assured yes as we ask in faith (2 Corinthians 1:20).”[iii]

When we pray God’s promises, we are assured of a “yes.” How thrilling it is to receive His promises!

Promises made in this world sometimes disappoint, but God’s promises are always kept. Are always sure. Are always true. They are never disappointing.

Why not sing this beautiful hymn this morning? You can listen to a version by clicking here.

Are you standing on God’s promises today?

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna