Promise Maker
"He remembers his covenant forever, the promise he made, for a thousand generations." (Psalm 105:8 NIV)
"I promise."
How many times have I said these words but not followed through on them?
The answer lies in the question: many times.
But not God. The Maker of hundreds of promises is also the Keeper of every promise.
He promises—and provides—His presence: "In all their distress he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them.In his love and mercy he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old" (Isaiah 63:9).
He promises—and provides—His protection: "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze" (Isaiah 43:2).
He promises—and provides—His peace: "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7).
His promises are particular, too.
He promises what: peace, protection, and presence.
He promises where: wherever we are, wherever we go.
He promises when: always, forever.
And sometimes, He promises when not: "God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you' " (Hebrews 13:5b).
" 'I will never, never, never, never, never [the Greek has five negatives] leave you or forsake you,' is his promise. At times we may be overcome with a feeling of helpless forsakeness. This is surely not from the loving Father, but from the father of lies. Take God's own promise with its five negatives and hold on" (Elisabeth Elliot, "A Lamp for My Feet").
He promises when: always, forever.
And sometimes, He promises when not: "God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you' " (Hebrews 13:5b).
" 'I will never, never, never, never, never [the Greek has five negatives] leave you or forsake you,' is his promise. At times we may be overcome with a feeling of helpless forsakeness. This is surely not from the loving Father, but from the father of lies. Take God's own promise with its five negatives and hold on" (Elisabeth Elliot, "A Lamp for My Feet").
We ask, "You'll never leave me, God?"
He answers, "Never, never, never, never, never. I promise."
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I'd love to hear from you! Feel free to tell me what you really think. Years ago, I explained to my then-two-year-old that my appointment with a counselor was "sort of like going to a doctor who will help me be a better mommy." Without blinking, she replied, "You'd better go every day." All of which is just to say I've spent some time in the school of brutal honesty!