Daily devotional, July 03, 2024 Pinky-promise
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful."
Hebrews 10:23
As a mom of three, I have grown accustomed to intertwining pinky fingers with my little ones. Whenever I tell them a promise, or they ask me to promise them something, we follow it up with a “Pinky Promise” to seal our deal.
As followers of Jesus, we are recipients of many promises of our Lord, which can be found in the Bible. All these promises are a great source of comfort especially as we face challenges in our lives. Thankfully, we can claim them for ourselves and God is honored and glorified when we do.
"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you."
Isaiah 54:10
Below are some of God’s promises that we can claim in every situation that we face:
1. When we are in need of His forgiveness:
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
2. When we are in need of His peace:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
3. When we are afraid:
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
4. When we need wisdom to make the right choices:
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” James 1:5
5. When you are feeling anxious and unsure about what the future will bring:
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfareand not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
6. When you want to feel God’s presence:
“Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord,” Jeremiah 29:12-14
7. When we need His guidance:
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” Psalm 32:8
8. When you are too tired, too weary, too disheartened emotionally, physically, and mentally.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29
9. When you are drowning in trouble:
“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
10. When you are wronged by others, and you want to avenge yourself:
“No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the LORD.” Isaiah 54:17
11. When you are in need of His provision:
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
12. When we are terrified about something:
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley,I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4
13. When you are feeling anxious and depressed:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
So how do we claim these promises? Well, first we have to know about the promises, and we can only know about them when we regularly read and reflect on the Bible and immerse ourselves in His words.
Second, some of us may keep on claiming God’s promises but are impatient waiting for God’s response. When this happens we should ask ourselves, have we done what we need to do before we claim these promises?
Before we start claiming these, we have to believe first and totally surrender our lives to Him. Just like an insurance policy, we cannot get a benefit without purchasing the policy and abiding by its terms and conditions.
When we surrender our lives to Jesus, that only means we will accept His Lordship in our lives. We will obey all of His commands, and accept these commands as His way of protecting us. And as we live a life of obedience and worship to Him, we will have the confidence to approach Him and claim His promises.
"Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
Hebrews 4:16
So what do you do while holding on to God’s promise? Well, just keep on praying, do not lose faith, and wait on the Lord.
"But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 43:10
Whatever His response may be to our prayers and claims, let us always remember that His ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts higher than our thoughts, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Psalm 121 dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Have you ever claimed a promise of God?
Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, thank you for always being there for me, in all situations. Allow me to strengthen myself in your word always, as I face my life journey. Amen.
