Brief Devotions For Busy Lives" by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson: Psalm 12:6

 March 8

"The promises of the LORD are promises that are pure, silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times." -Psalm 12:6 (RSV)

The world is filled with broken promises. The result is we live in a world of cynicism, selfishness, and mistrust and a culture doubting if others will keep their word. But when we choose to walk with Christ as our guide, we can enter into a whole new realm of life. Part of that new life is a book full of promises called the Bible. These promises have never been broken because the giver of these promises has never failed to keep his word. Most scholars agree there are approximately 8,800 promises in the entire Bible. A promise from God is a statement we can depend on with absolute confidence. Here are five promises we can claim on this March day with absolute assurance they are true:

1. God's Presence: "I will never leave you" (Heb. 13:5)

2. God's Protection: "I am you shield" (Gen. 15:1)

3. God's Power: "I will strengthen you" (Isa. 41:10)

4. God's Provision: "I will help you" (Isa. 41:10)

5. God's Purposes: "I know the thoughts I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not evil" (Jer. 20:11)

Are you still struggling to believe in God’s promises? Have you been hurt by unanswered prayers or expectations of others? Due to past experiences, many of us have found it easier to doubt God’s promises than trust them. There may even be times we have been disappointed with God because we have placed our human expectations on a pedestal rather than seeking the Lord’s will for our lives. This forthcoming Spring Season of miraculous new beginnings is a time you can claim or reclaim God’s powerful promises as absolutely true realizing your future is as bright as the promises of God!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your promises. Grant me the courage to lean fully on the truth of your Word. Amen.

Meditation For The Day: You can't break God's promises by standing on them.

Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Spring Renewal Paperback – February 21, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)