Promises

David knew the Lord intimately, from his youth. He was also a gifted poet and prophet, as well as a shepherd and king. Over the years he developed a technique for maintaining his stability, even in the face of the greatest adversity. The evil of the world never overwhelmed him, because he knew he could totally trust the LORD of the Armies, Almighty God, Jehovah to protect and provide for him. This is a technique all believers can and should practice. We in the Church call it Faith-Rest. It involves learning the Word of God (Mind of Christ) and committing to memory the great doctrines and promises we find there, as well as the eternal characteristics of God, Himself, Who is our Good Shepherd. We all have our adversities in life. The spiritually mature and secure among us have learned to store these doctrines and promises in their souls for instant application in our times of need, or in moments of worship. Here are just a few of David’s:

Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:13-14 I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.  (Relax! Calm down and wait!) Psalm 34:19 The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all Psalm 34:22 The Lord will rescue his servants; no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned .Psalm 37:1-5 Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this. Psalm 37:9-10 For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land. A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. Psalm 37:23-24 The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. Psalm 37:25 I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.

The Psalms are full of these promises that David completely believed, because he knew the One who spoke the universe into being (Psalm 33:9) and led His people through the wilderness in a pillar of cloud (Psalm 99:7).

We have many lists of promises and doctrines that we keep written in a handy place for reference, or filed in our memory banks. Some are from Psalms, some from Proverbs and other Old Testament writings, and now with the completed canon of the New Testament we have promises from the gospels and epistles and Acts and Revelation, too.

Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you .Isaiah 40:31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;  they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint .Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Philippians 4:13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. I Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

The Bible contains thousands of these wonderful promises from God to His people. These promises apply to believers who are truly trusting in Him and learning Him as we grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. They are specific to those in fellowship with God, and there is important context to keep in mind, such as Romans 8:28: All things work for the good of those who love God and whom He has called for His purpose. These promises strengthen and comfort us only if we know them and only if we recall and apply them to our present circumstances. Our negligence doesn’t change the truth, but it does change the effect of the truth in our individual lives.

Christian, you are without excuse. You can learn the Word of God, and how to apply it.

 Proverbs 2:3-6:

indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear (reverence) of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding