Hang on to the Promises!

I Kings 8:56
Blessed be the Lord, who has given rest to His people Israel, according to all that he promised. There has not failed one word of all His good promises, which He promised through His servant Moses.

We can learn from the past, and my past teaches me that God is faithful. His promises are true, and whenever I need help, direction, strength, or provision of some other need, I can turn to Him and His Word. From the time I was a small child, I have gone to my Heavenly Father for help, and I can tell you honestly that after all these years, not one of His promises has ever been broken.

A number of years ago as the new year began, I challenged each of my Sunday school students to ask God to give her a specific promise from His Word that she could rely on throughout the coming year. At the end of December, we shared our stories. What a blessing and encouragement that was! Each one of us found that the promise God gave us in January had been just what we needed for the trials we faced in the months that followed. By having that verse to hang on to, we were strengthened and sustained each day—even in the tough times.

I encourage you, my friend, to do the same. Prayerfully find and claim a specific promise for 2007. Write that verse on cards and place them where you will see them regularly. Put them in several places like on your dresser, your bathroom mirror, your nightstand, above your kitchen sink, or next to your computer. Read this verse regularly and memorize it, if possible. Keeping a written journal of the ways God uses that verse in your life throughout the year will amaze and bless you, I know.

The promises of God are powerful! They are applicable and relevant to my life each day of the year. They give me an anchor to hang on to when the way is rough. The great evangelist D.L. Moody said, “Let a man feed for a month on the promises of God, and he will not talk about how poor he is.” Indeed, the promises of God make us rich!

Faithful Father, how blessed I am to know You and to have the assurance of Your promises to enlarge my vision, enlighten my path, and to encourage my weak and weary spirit. Keep me focused on You and Your words each day throughout the coming year.

By Ann Shorb
©Copyright Ann Shorb, 2006

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Related articles and devotionals:
A Promise for the New Year
God Holds All the Pieces
Sleeping While the Wind Blows
Rejoicing In God's Promises
Thank Him for His Creation