Comfort in God’s Promises
Today is the National Day of Prayer. I was honored with the opportunity to give the benediction at the Larimer County National Day of Prayer event. John Andrews from the Centennial Institute and Colorado Christian University was the keynote speaker. John challenged us to be a people of prayer in a land of prayer. It was encouraging to see other civic, community, educational and business leaders in attendance. I was pleased that my friend and former legislative colleague Jim Welker from Loveland was able to join us at our table with others from the prayer ministry at Timberline Church.
While it is still cool and overcast, the rain has ceased long enough for me to get out and mow my lawn. Even without a lot of sunshine and warmth and rain has created a growth spurt of vegetation in our area. This evening we are looking forward to traveling to Lakewood for a “vision” service with my son, Christian. Mile High Vineyard, where he is on staff is looking at a new “hub” in south Jefferson County.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Remember your promise to me, your servant; it has given me hope. Even in my suffering I was comforted because your promise gave me life.…You are all I want, O Lord; I promise to obey your laws.” Psalm 119:49,50,57
I have been reading through Job and Psalms. These verses from Psalm 119, would be ones you would almost expect to find in the Book of Job. Psalm 119 is the longest Psalm that extols God’s laws and precepts. But in these verse we find a different focus or slant than the rest of the Psalm.
Instead of the Psalmist stating a commitment to honor an obey God’s law, these verses implore the Lord to remember His promises to “His servant.” The promises of God convey who God is for His people and what He desires to do and will do for them.
The promises of God are especially meaningful in times of suffering and distress. It is God’s promise such as, His abiding love and presence; God’s promise that He hears our cry and is “touched with feelings of our infirmities”; that can give comfort and hope. I recall what seemed like endless days in a hospital bed there was the calming assurance that the Lord was with me and because of that I would recover. Just recently my physical therapist expressed that my left leg may not see improvement from the current level of strength. But that does not deter hope when we have faith that God has the final word of the outcome of our situation.
I like the praise of the Psalmist when he says, “You are all I want, O Lord…” When life is tested and all that brings confidence and trust in the future is stripped away and you discover that the Lord is all you have – you find that the Lord is all you need.
In your situation today, take heart, be encouraged in God’s promise to you. As you do, you will find the comfort and strength that is needed to move toward a brighter future.