The Lord has promised good to me,
His Word my hope secures;
He will my Shield and Portion be,
as long as life endures.
The words from the third verse of John Newton’s hymn “Amazing Grace” are likely familiar to most, as is the promise. The Lord has been keeping his promises to his children across all time.
Do you recall the story of Sarai and Abram, to whom God promised a child in their nineties? That child was Isaac. And then there was Isaac’s grandson, Joseph of the “coat of many colors.”
In Genesis 39:1-2 we hear, “When Joseph was taken to Egypt by the Ishmaelite traders, he was purchased by Potiphar, an Egyptian officer. Potiphar was captain of the guard for Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. The Lord was with Joseph, so he succeeded in everything he did as he served in the home of his Egyptian master.”
And then along came Moses, and God kept his word and led the people to the Promised Land. In fact, Joshua tells us, “Not one word of all the good promises that the LORD had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass.” (Jos 21:45 ESV)
There are numerous examples of God’s care for his people in the Psalms as well. Some examples are, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are
pleasures forevermore.” ( Psa 16:11 ESV), and “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” (Psa 18:2 ESV)
In 2 Corinthians 20, Paul says, “For all the promises of God find their Yes in him [Jesus]. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.” Peter tells us, “…knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.” (1Pe 1:18- 19 ESV) The Lord has promised good to us and has delivered on his promise through Jesus Christ.
I have a sign on my door which reminds me to not let the things I think I desire keep me from appreciating what I have. Oh, let us not overlook or take for granted how God is blessing us, but rather let us joyfully appreciate our precious gift in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior!!!
1Pe 4:10-11 ESV
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies–in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
May it be so!
Pastor Peggy