There is an old hymn we occasionally sing called “Standing on the Promises”. It was written by Russell Kelso Carter in 1886 while he was a Professor at the Pennsylvania Military Academy. This hymn recently came to my mind as I was reflecting on the many challenges I have witnessed and/or experienced in 2024. Our church family has lost several loved members this year and in the past week alone we said goodbye to two of them. I also lost a parent this year. Additionally, I have witnessed and felt the pain of broken relationships in multiple contexts over the course of many months. We all experience those seasons in life where, as believers, we turn our attention to the promises of Christ our King more intently, because the sin, death, and brokenness of this world offer no hope. Charles Spurgeon said of these times and experiences, “I have learned to kiss the waves that throw me up against the Rock of Ages”.
The hymn begins by exclaiming, “Standing on the promises of Christ, my King,
through eternal ages let His praises ring; Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
standing on the promises of God.” Our God is immutable, meaning He does not change. When we turn to Scripture we are eternally encouraged by the promises of the Lord. Throughout the ages, He remains faithful, holy, righteous, and good. His promises will be fulfilled for His children just as they always have been.
The hymn goes on to sing, “Standing on the promises that cannot fail. When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail, by the living Word of God I shall prevail”. As we inevitably face the trials of this life, we can turn to our Savior and King and find peace and joy. This year may have brought storms of doubt and fear, but we can “overcome daily with the Spirit’s sword” and find “rest in my Savior as my all in all”.
As we face these times, may they press us deeper into the Word and times of prayer with our God. And may we remember what Paul said in Romans 8:18, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”
Elder Jason Woodard
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