The Promises of God

It can be easy sometimes to lose sight of God’s promises.

Maybe we’ve let too much of the world in, and our worldview has shifted to one of anxiety. We’re so worried about things in the here and now, and so afraid of failure, rather than looking forward in hope to the future God has in store for us.

Or maybe we’ve allowed voices other than God’s to define us. Maybe we’ve listened too much to the opinions of those around us – or ourselves – and that’s caused us to forget who we are in Christ.

Or maybe we’ve been disappointed. Maybe we haven’t seen our prayers answered, or they’ve been answered in the negative. Maybe we can’t understand why God would allow things to go the way they did, and so we doubt His care for us or protection over our lives.

Whatever it looks like, fixing our eyes on anything but the promises of God is dangerous for us. The common thread defining each of these scenarios is that by losing sight of God’s promises, we lose sight of truth. We start to see things through a distorted lens, and we become molded by a false reality.

So, it’s incredibly important to keep anchoring back to the truth. Whatever we find ourselves thinking or feeling, it has to fall in step with the truth of what God says about Himself, about this world, about each of us. Anything outside of that is not worth building our foundation on.

I’ve recognized this in myself lately – a tendency to assume that whatever I’m feeling must be true, just because it feels true. So if I’m feeling unworthy of love or forgiveness, I must be unloved and unforgiven. If I’m not feeling a deep sense of God’s presence, it must be because God isn’t listening to me.

But I know that those things aren’t true. I know that God is for me, and that He is faithful to forgive me. I know that Jesus loves me enough to die for me, knowing every sin and shortcoming I have. I know that He is present with me in every circumstance.

So, why in the world would I want to base who I am and what I do on feelings that are so clearly untrue? Why not instead let my character, my values, my goals, my decisions, my friendships, my career, my entire life be shaped by what I know to be true about the character of my God and His plans for me?

There are certain promises that mean a lot to me right now, but I know there are also so many more throughout Scripture! So, I’ve asked those in my community to share with me the promises of God that speak the most to them, and I’ve added them below. I’d encourage you to find a promise or two that directly counteract lies you’re being told by the world (or maybe even by yourself). Then, when you’re tempted to believe those lies, anchor to the promises that God tells you instead. Our God is faithful, and we can have confidence that whatever He says is true and will be fulfilled.

Some of the Promises of God:

He makes us free, and no one can take that freedom away from us.

• “So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36)

True & full rest is found in Him.

• “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will gives you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

He freely gives us what we need – wisdom, strength, etc.

• “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5)
• “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

When we confess our sins, He forgives us readily. He knew our sins and shortcomings long before we existed, and He chose to die for us anyway.

• “If we confess our sins He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
• “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

He supplements our weaknesses, interceding on our behalf.

• “In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” (Romans 8:26)

He promises to provide and to restore. He gives peace in the midst of chaos.

• “Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.” (Isaiah 40:31)
• “Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for You are my praise.” (Jeremiah 17:14)
• “And He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)

He has a plan for the future that is good, and we don’t have to doubt His faithfulness to us.

• “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.’ (Jeremiah 29:11)
• “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

He will be with us wherever we go.

• “Nevertheless I am continually with You; You have taken hold of my right hand. With Your counsel You will guide me, and afterward receive me to glory.” (Psalm 73:23-24)
• “The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)

He is doing a good and sanctifying work in us, and is committed to its completion.

• “After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.” (1 Peter 5:10)
• “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)

Life is not going to be easy, but He is always there with us to strengthen us.

• “…In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
• “And He has said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.'” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

We are loved and valued. He created us with care and intentionality, each uniquely designed to reflect Him.

• “For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully. and wonderfully made; wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; Your eyes have see my unformed substance; and in Your book were all written the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them.” (Psalm 139:13-16)

He hears us when we call to Him.

• “In my distress. I called upon the Lord, and cried to my God for help; He heard my voice out of His temple, and my cry for help before Him came into His ears.” (Psalm 18:6)

We can stand clean and uncondemned before Him.

• “Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord…Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.” (Romans 7:24-8:2)
• “Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)

We already have the victory in Him.

• “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith.” (1 John 5:4)

He gives life abundantly.

• “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)

He has reserved a place in heaven for us.

• “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:2-3)