standing on the promises

Time is necessary. It allows for meditation and application to take root. It’s been two months since I’ve written a post here on the blog. During that time, I’ve learned SO much. Many of those lessons I’m excited to share with you, and some of that growth is will stay between the Lord & me. The road to knowledge is ever increasing, never climaxing. As seasons come and go, with nurturing & pruning of the Holy Spirit, I eventually reach a place, not of perfection, but of spiritual maturity.

Last week ago, I called one of my dear friends, Lucy Brown, and we talked a while about how refreshing it is to slow down and learn. In relationships, I want to be more patient & empathetic. In my spiritual life, I want to listen more than I speak. With my time, I want to be available and intentional. Instead of accumulating more, I want to steward what I have wisely. This summer, the Lord has allowed me to take a step back and experience rest. He is teaching me that fruitfulness results from soaking in truth rather than striving for productivity. Maybe you need to hear that too.

One of my favorite artists, Maverick City Music, recently came out with a song called “Old Church Basement” & I love it. So much. It’s a call back to simple, child-like faith. It’s a powerful reminder of the difference between music & worship. Music is simply the medium of our worship, while the object & recipient of our worship should be nothing more or less than Christ alone.

That’s why I love hymns.

More than a catchy tune or impressive vocals, they carry a timeless message. My parents kept an old hymn book upstairs outside by childhood bedroom. I have great memories of our family choosing and singing songs from it when I was younger. One of our favorites was “Standing on the Promises.”My favorite verse is the second which proclaims that God’s promises never fail and when we cling to them we can withstand any storm. As I’ve grown older, I’ve challenged myself to identify, cling to, and stand upon those promises. Especially entering college, I realized how crucial it is that the foundation of my life and daily sustenance is biblical truth.

Here are some of the truths I’ve been standing on. Defining truth in your life is a process that begins in your mind. Start reading the following scriptures aloud, and your mind will soon recognize it as truth. Then, your heart will learn to believe it. An obedient lifestyle will be visible proof of those beliefs to a wondering & watching world.

He is my shield.

Psalm 3:3

He gives wisdom.

Isaiah 1:5

He will always be with me.

Deuteronomy 31:8

He gives rest.

Matthew 11:8

He frees me from sin.

John 8:36

He meets my needs.

Philippians 4:19

He comforts me.

Psalm 23:4

He forgives me.

Psalm 103:12

He never forsakes me.

Psalm 9:10

He gives me peace.

Psalm 4:6-7

He gives me joy.

Galatians 5:22

He gives me abundant life.

John 10:10

He brings me strength and power.

Psalm 68:35

He loves me unconditionally.

Romans 8:38

He has compassion on me.

Psalm 103:4