Standing on the Promises

There’s an old hymn that many of us are familiar with. It’s titled, “Standing on the Promises” and talks about God’s unfailing promises in the face of storms, doubt and fear, and our daily struggles.

Folks in Houston understand the reality of storms and struggles. Heather Heyer’s family knows about resting in the Savior. The Christian minority in the Middle East knows about daily struggles and the doubt and fear present under ISIS reign. Most of us have had the opportunity to stand on God’s promises, whether in challenging days at our job – or between jobs – with sick family or terminal diagnoses, or just in the face of a world that was never meant to be our home.

Today on the US Gulf Coast millions of residents are standing on the promises while thousands of unknown and unnamed volunteers step in to help. They are black and white, young and old, male and female, Christian and atheist. They are all different, yet all the same.

Every day, we face challenges both great and small, and we have a choice. Do we stand on our own strength, rely on our own intelligence or good looks or education and trust that we will endure, or do we “let go and let God” do what He’s promised us He would do?

In Joshua 1:9 God tells us to trust Him. He’s God and will be with us wherever we go. Proverbs 3:5-6 is a familiar passage, often quoted back to God when we need His leading. And who can argue with God’s claim in Isaiah 43, “But now, this is what the LORD says – he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.’” God’s word is replete with promises that He will be there whenever and wherever we need Him – even when and where we don’t want Him.

So whatever you are facing, whatever challenge at work, whatever health or family crisis, whenever the future looks the darkest, trust in the LORD. That’s all He asks.