Sweet Promises
I was asked recently what my WORD was for the new year of 2022. Before I continue, let me give you a little backstory about this question. We all know there are new year resolutions, goals, and a bucket list of items that inspire us to achieve; some grander than others. The WORD for the new year is usually a word that the Holy Spirit is speaking or encouraging us to believe for. Words have such meaning and significance in our lives.
This question has become sort of a tradition and ritual between my friends and me.
It’s always a cherished time as we each share what the Lord has placed on hearts and to hear everyone’s chosen WORD for the new year. Have you ever had moments like these with friends? It’s truly a blessing. I encourage you to find friends that you can have deep conversations with. People you can share about what the Lord is doing in your life and will encourage you to step out and do it. These are what I call, iron-sharpens-iron friendships.
So, I’m sitting with my friends (who come together to pray every other Tuesday evening) and we shared our 2022 WORDS. As I listened, I was so encouraged and blessed. I listened to words like, TRUST, STAND FIRM, Be BOLD, FIX your eyes on Jesus, TRUTH. So many GOOD words to hold onto for the new year! When it was my turn to share, the word that kept stirring in my spirit was PROMISES.
As I pondered this word and the significance of it, I realized what the Lord was reminding me of. God’s promises are true, and God is faithful to fulfill ALL His promises. As children of God, it is important to know and hold onto His promises. Moving into 2022, holding onto His promises, will bring hope and testimony of the goodness of God.
As I researched how many promises of God there are in the Bible, I found out that according to Everet R. Storms, there are 8,810! It took him about a year and half to complete this research on the thousands of promises that God made to man.
As I read the promises of God in the Bible, I am encouraged to know that when God makes a promise, He is faithful to complete it. No matter what, I can have assurance that God will fulfill each promise that He speaks. We can have hope today because of the promises that He has already accomplished and the promises that are soon to be fulfilled!
God’s promises are true and uplifting to our hearts. Let’s read some of these promises together:
Nothing can separate you from God’s love
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39
You are never alone
“Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.” Psalm 27:10
The Lord covers and watches over you
“The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand... The Lord will keep you from all harm—He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." Psalm 121
God formed you and knows you intimately
"For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made..." God created you intentionally, and you are "fearfully and wonderfully made."
Psalm 139:13-14
God gives you identity
“Do not fear for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine…Since you are precious and honored I my sight, and because I love you.” Isaiah 43:1,4
God forgives you and has good things in store for you
"Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits - who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's." Psalm 103
God will work things out in your life
“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.” Romans 8:28
You have the power of Christ inside of you
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
“If God is for you who can be against you.” Romans 8:31
God hears your prayers, and your prayers are powerful
“And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”
John 14:13-14
There is always hope in our lives through faith
“Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.” Psalms 126:5
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life” Proverbs 13:12
God can make Himself known to you and others
“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners…to comfort all who mourn…” Isaiah 61:1-2
How good are these promises! There are so many more promises that I will be digging into soon, but these are just a few. All of God’s promises are yes and amen.
Going into the new year of 2022, I have decided to learn God’s promises in His word, so that I can stand on what is true and secure. I may not be able to memorize all 8,810, but I will be intent on reading and knowing the ones that I come across each day.
I invite you to join me as we can begin our journey together knowing and standing on God’s sweet promises in 2022. May we hold onto His promises today and every day.
Bethany Marshall
