I’m in a season I’m not enjoying. It’s a season of difficulty and looking for answers. But receiving none. I’m full of questions.
Why God?!? When God?!? How God?!?
But I’m not hearing much from God lately. I know He’s with me because He promises to never leave me, but so many times, I wish He’d be a little more obvious about His presence. I’ve realized again why it’s so important to be in God’s Word and to know His promises—before a season of waiting on my part and silence on His part.
We must know and believe God’s promises to us before we’re in the desert. The desert ground isn’t fertile for much, but it’s the perfect environment for doubt and disobedience.
The Israelites learned that the hard way. When they refused to enter the Promised Land with God’s blessing the first time (after 40 days), their time in the desert became 40 years (Numbers 14:34).
Not much grows in the desert, except doubt—it flourishes.
So, before I start doubting God’s presence, I must know and believe the promises He’s made to me. And to you.
Before fear takes hold, God tells us…
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV)
Before discouragement sets in, God says…
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.” (Joshua 1:9 NIV)
Before we decide we can’t do what God asks, He reminds us…
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV)
When the situations seems impossible, Jesus assured us…
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26 NIV)
Before hopelessness can grow, God’s Word blesses us…
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13 NIV)
And when we think we just can’t do it anymore, we are promised…
I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace].” (Philippians 4:13 AMP)
There are so many more promises God has made to us. These are just a few I’ve been praying and reminding myself of.
Oh, and this –
God keeps His promises. Always.
For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule throughout all generations. The Lord always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does. The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads. (Psalm 145:13-14 NLT)
What promises from God do you know and rely on? Would you share them here with us?
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I write to encourage women in their walk with Christ, but I am also wife, mother, writer, and blogger, as well as working in church ministry. Regularly I contribute at LifeLetter Cafe. Visit my website or follow me on social media!
what a timely word for me today. Thank you for sharing so honestly about the struggle and reminding about the answer.
Thank you Vanessa! God bless!
Joshua 1:9 has become one of my favorite verses lately. It reminds me that to be strong and courageous is a commandment! I must BE brave in the Lord. I also love the thought of His promises. Lately I’ve been color coding my Bible and highlighting all His promises in orange so when I just flip my Bible open I see them all. 🙂
Joshua 1:9 is another one I turn to often. I like the idea of being able to immediately see God’s promises wherever I turn in my Bible! Thanks Sarah!
The footnote in the NLT says that the Masoretic Text lacks the final two lines of Pslams 145:13 about keeping promises, so it doesn’t appear in the KJV, which is what I usually use. But it is present Dead Sea Scrolls and Greek and Syriac versions. Thanks for sharing.