Green Pastures
Weekly Devotional

Green Pastures, Quiet Waters

7,487.

 

That is a significant number, depending on what it represents. If we are thinking about people sitting in church, it’s a very large number, but if we are counting the stars in the sky – that number means almost nothing.  In this case I am talking about the number of promises in scripture.  No, I did not count them, but someone with a lot of time of their hands did. 

I have a notebook containing first aid for the blues.  It is a lovely red hard cover book containing special promises from the Lord. - My Promise Book.  But it certainly does not include as many as have been counted in the bible. As I study the word and come across many of those wonderful promises that strike a special chord in my heart I write out the verse along with the reference, then my own “commentary” regarding what that verse means to me personally and a prayer of thanksgiving for the truth in His word.  I know that at some point I will be drawn back to my notebook to take a dose of “the cure”.

On the first page of my notebook are my theme verses:  “The LORD always keeps His promises…..He keeps every promise forever.”  (Psalm 145:13/ Psalm 146:6) 

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As a follow-up, the next verse in my book is from Psalm 138:2b  “…..your promises are backed by the honor of your name.”  Isn’t that an amazing reassurance?  When you think how honorable the name of the LORD is and understand that His name is our guarantee of fulfillment, there is no way we can go wrong by trusting His promises.  It reminds me of an old ad for a car repair shop. Their motto was “Our name is our Guarantee.”  Same principle, but a much greater assurance tied to the Lord’s promise.  

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Now I come to a verse that is a real grabber, especially if you are a senior. “Even to your old age and grey hair I am He who sustains you.  I have made you and I will carry you. I willsustain you and I will rescue you.” Now, regardless of where you live and what your government policies are regarding senior support, that’s what I call old age security!

In most promises in scripture, the word “will” is used.  It is meant to convey certainty of intent - God keeping His word.  Sometimes it is contingent upon something we do or do not do – showing us that God’s promise is tied to our obedience to Him or our actions of love and honor to Him.  But whatever the specific promise, we can be certain that God will keep His promises to His children.

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Thus, in first person, "I will" denotes willingness, consent, promise; and when "will" is emphasized, it denotes determination or fixed purpose; as, I will keep my promise to you.

I cannot begin to tell you how often I go to my Promise Book to be reminded of the words of love from God – His reassurance of His care and rescue.  I have often recommended that my counseling clients also begin a promise book.  It makes us more alert to the personal aspect of God’s word. Of course, not all promises are meant for me personally. We need to be aware that many are “time and person specific.”  For instance, God did not promise that I personally would be the father of many nations.  That applied to a specific person and time. God will give us the discernment to know the difference, which points out the need to pray for guidance and understanding before reading the word. 

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Next is a promise for those times when we feel totally overwhelmed by life circumstances.  It is found in Isaiah 43:2 “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of great difficulty, you will not drown.  When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not destroy you.”

This last verse is very reassuring, and I can hardly wait to experience its fulfillment: “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” – John 14:2:3

Why not begin your own Promise Book?  It’s an exercise that will continue to bless  you over and over again. 

When God promises, He’s not saying “I’ll try”, He means “I can and I will.”

 

Let me know what your favorite  promise from God’s word is. Just click on the link below and type it in.

 

B. Klassen                 beatrice.klassen@outlook.com