Prefer to Listen?
Recently, I have been doing a lot of reflection on God’s promises. It has been a wonderful and uplifting study and such an encouragement.
His Word Never Fails
God always keeps His promises. He is faithful and true, and we can trust that He will do what He says. Throughout Scripture, we see His promises fulfilled, though not always in the way people expected.
Problems or Promises
So often in life, we become consumed by our problems. Because we live in an imperfect world, difficulties are always in front of us. It is easy to become burdened and discouraged by them.
Meditating on the promises of God helps us combat the negativity and fear that can grow from life’s struggles, but it is not usually our first instinct. When we are weighed down, it becomes easy to lose sight of God’s faithfulness.
This doesn’t mean we won’t have problems or that others will always be kind to us. It does mean we can learn to shift our focus to God’s Word and take comfort in Him during those challenges.
As we grow in Christ, we learn to keep God’s Word at the center of our focus instead of allowing our problems to control our thoughts and emotions.
Remember
Scripture calls us to remember God’s promises. We may do this by setting aside time daily to read the Bible and pray, regularly attending church, memorizing Bible verses, or reflecting on what God has already done in our lives.
One key way we remember God’s promises is through the Lord’s Supper, or Communion. During that time, we pause to remember that throughout the Old Testament, sacrifices pointed forward to the promised Messiah. That promise was fulfilled in Jesus, who willingly gave Himself up as the ultimate sacrifice for sin.
We no longer need to offer sacrifices to atone for our sins because Christ accomplished that for us on the cross. Communion helps us remember His sacrifice and the faithfulness of God throughout history.
An Anchor
God’s promises become an anchor for us during seasons of uncertainty. As we intentionally learn and meditate on Scripture, we can become better prepared for life’s most difficult moments.
One of the stories that really brought this to life for me was Corrie ten Boom’s account in The Hiding Place. Her family had been hiding Jews in their Dutch home during World War II, and eventually were arrested and sent to different prison camps.
Corrie described how all the Scripture she had memorized throughout her life became a source of comfort during immense suffering. She was in a place where she didn’t have a physical Bible, but God’s Word still echoed in her heart and mind.
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth give way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling…“Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.-Psalm 46:1-3, 10-11
Reflection
There are many ways we can learn to remember God’s promises. For some people, verbally repeating Scripture works best, but for others writing and journaling is how they retain and reflect more deeply.
Learn what helps you engage most meaningfully with God’s Word, and continue growing in your knowledge of Him each day. Hide His Word in your heart and allow it to shape the way you respond to life’s challenges.
One reason I have enjoyed creating reflective devotional resources is because slowing down to intentionally think about God’s promises has strengthened my own faith.
Allow His Word to become your refuge and comfort no matter the season of life you are facing.
Leave a Reply