Easily made. Easily broken. Promises are merely words that someone says to another, but they have the power to cause such hurt and disappointment when they are not kept. How often do you make promises to others, without thinking of whether you have the ability to fulfil them? How often are you at the receiving end of broken promises? In my opinion, I think the answer to both is – Too often! Relationships and friendships can slowly dissolve over time when empty promises reoccur, leading to issues with trust and being able to fully rely on others.
Unlike the empty promises of man, God’s promises remain true and unbroken. He is the only one we can fully rely on to keep His word. God is forever faithful, as it says in Joshua 23:14, “Not one word has failed of all the good things that the Lord your God promised concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one of them has failed.” Although we can read this, it can still be hard to remember the promises God has made to us, especially during times of difficulty, but just like God reminded Noah with a rainbow, He shows us signs of His promises when we need them most.
“I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth.”
Genesis 9:13
I don’t know how you are feeling while you are reading this today – Perhaps you’re feeling really positive and joyful or maybe you are on the other end of the scale and in fact are feeling rather down. Regardless of how we feel today, God’s promises are valid for each and every one of us, without any terms or conditions to catch us out! There are so many, many promises and truths that God has made to us, that we could be here all year going through each one. So, I’ve decided to share the promises that I have been reminded of recently, with the hope they bring you the same comfort and encouragement that I found.
He will never leave us: People say they will always be there for you, but that isn’t always the case. However, we can find comfort in the promise that God will never abandon us. Never. No exceptions. No excuses. He will always be right beside us.
“I am with you always.”
Matthew 28:20
“I will never leave you, nor forsake you.”
Hebrews 13:5
“I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken for He is right beside me.”
Psalm 16:8
He carries us: God promises to give us strength when we are struggling and unburdens our heavy loads. He holds us up, pushes us onwards and gives us rest when we need it.
“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
“Praise be to the Lord, to our Saviour, who daily bears our burdens.”
Psalm 68: 19
“Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28
He is working for our good: God has our best intentions at heart. We can rely and trust that God will never cause us harm; and yes, I know sometimes when things don’t go our way we often think God is ‘out to get us’ or is ‘being unfair’; I’ve been through moments when I’ve thought just that, but with time I can clearly see why God caused certain things to happen. It was for the great good. Things often turn out as they should, all through God’s detailed intervention. Good things are in store for us, if we just have faith in His plans for our lives.
“In all things God works for the good of those who love Him.”
Romans 8:28
“For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11
“When the time is right, I, the Lord, will make it happen.”
Isaiah 60:22
Paint yourself a rainbow in your mind today, remembering all God has promised you, and allow them to outshine your problems! Pray over the verses you have just read and speak them out loud. Soon you’ll see God moving in your life for His glory and your good!
God Bless! 🙂
STEADFAST 