From the Inside Out

God, Our Promise Maker

Tucked here and there throughout scripture are more than 2,300 promises that God has made to his people. And he is committed to keeping them all (Psalm 145:13b)—how and when he deems best.

To be honest, sometimes his methods and timing don’t make sense to me. I have to remind myself that finite minds can’t expect to understand the all-knowing, far-reaching work of a righteous God (Romans 11:33-36, 2 Samuel 22:31). He also works outside the limitations of time, in the realm of eternity.  That means some of God’s promises may not be realized in my lifetime.

However, I can be confident of this: He has the future perfectly planned out, to accomplish the highest good (Proverbs 16:4a). There is no stopping the perfectly wise, precisely timed will of God. And his promises are the guarantee of those flawless plans.

Consider:

• God never lies or even changes his mind (Numbers 23:19). Every scripture promise is founded on truth.
• He is all-powerful (Jeremiah 32:17). No promise is beyond his capability to keep.
• God is all-wise (Romans 11:33). He does not make foolish promises for things that would be to our detriment.
• God is gracious and compassionate, loving and good to his people (Psalm 103:8, 86:5). Out of such benevolence, he will keep his word.

Just by reviewing such attributes of our Heavenly Father, we can fuel of our faith. And the more we know him, the more we will trust him and his promises.

We, the Promise-Takers

Our part is to take God’s promises to heart.

“The sacred promises, though in themselves most sure and precious,

are of no avail for the comfort and sustenance of the soul

unless you grasp them by faith, plead them by prayer,

expect them by hope, and receive them by gratitude.”

—Charles Spurgeon

In light of Dr. Spurgeon’s wise advice, Promise-Takers take these specific steps, as they wait for the promises of God to be fulfilled:

• “Fight uncertainty with certainty” (Selwyn Hughes)—frequently.

I know you have this situation well in hand, O God.

You WILL provide what I need;

Nothing is impossible for you.

(2 Corinthians 9:8, Matthew 19:26)

• Express gratitude for the answer that will come in God’s good time.

My hope is in you—

because of who you are

and what I’ve seen you do in the past.

I will praise you now for the God-glorifying outcome

that is to come!

(Psalm 42:5, Hebrews 13:15)

• Quote appropriate promises often; include them in your prayers.  For example:

I know you WILL instruct me and teach me

in the way I should go.

You WILL counsel me and watch over me.

(Psalm 32:8)

• Be mindful of any instruction that accompanies the promise.

I will turn away from worry

And focus my attention on you.

Then your unfailing love will surround me

Because I am trusting in you.

(Psalm 32:10b)

Promise-Takers stand on the flawless word of their Promise-Maker (Psalm 12:6a), even when they see no sign of fulfillment–yet.

With King David they aim to stay confident:

And they wait—patiently and expectantly—knowing that:

Is there a particular promise that you are taking to heart for 2019?  Please share in the comments below!

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