Word of Encouragement (9/10/2020)

We are talking about three ways of applying the promises of God. Yesterday, we talked about “leaning on” the promises of God. Today, we want to talk about “resorting to” the promises of God.

“It means always keeping some specific promise on hand” (p. 61). Why is this good? “We may not know when the waters will rise around us, but if we are prepared, we can make our escape to higher ground. We may not know when pain will lay us low, but if we have medicine on hand, we can often quickly find relief…. Applying the promises means keeping those [promises] that pertain to various trials ‘at the ready’ so that, come what may, we have recourse to divine support and comfort” (p. 61). Here are some suggestions:

When feeling burdened with guilt and shame: “The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities” (Ps. 103:8-10).

When we feel frustrated with our slow growth in holiness, we can hold on to His promise to plan and water all our graces: “I will be like the dew to Israel; he shall blossom like the lily; he shall take root like the trees of Lebanon; his shoots shall spread out; his beauty shall be like the olive, and his fragrance like Lebanon. They shall return and dwell beneath my shadow; they shall flourish like the grain; they shall blossom like the vine; their fame shall be like the wine of Lebanon” (Hos. 14:5-7).

For encouragement and comfort in times of danger: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior” (Isa. 43:2-3). Notice how He promises to be with us in the midst of our troubles even if He chooses not to remove the troubles.

My favorite one these days is, “…call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me” (Ps. 50:15).

Maybe you have others. It would be good to memorize these promises and meditate on them often so that, when the waters rise and fires rage, we can readily draw from them! Have a blessed day!