I heard something earlier this week that I have been carrying with me, "Problems come and go. God’s promises come and stay.”* Isn’t that so true? We could all make a list of problems that we are dealing with, both large and small, personal and familial, individual and communal. Can we also make a list of promises that inform our life?
I was very fortunate to have a loving grandmother. She once wrote me a letter, passing along a promise that she carried with her, “Be strong and of good courage … for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” **
Perhaps you have a promise that someone has shared with you? Perhaps you have a verse from the Bible that encourages you? God’s promises are trustworthy. They will come and stay. They can help you realize that while you may not be able to control the outcome of many of your problems, you can choose how you want to deal with them. You can find strength knowing there is one who is greater than any fire or storm that comes your way. There is one who can hold us together. “He is the radiance of the glory of God … and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.” ***
St. John of the Cross writes, “Were God to turn away for an instant we would cease to be.” We are utterly dependent on Him. He really does have the whole world in his hands. Not only does Jesus hold us together, he reaches out his hands to us. He died for us to have a relationship with us. He promises to go with us and always be with us.
Reflect:
What promise can I carry with me today?
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* Robert Morgan
** Deut 31:6 (NKJV)
*** Heb 1:3, ESV