Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises- – – 2 Peter 1:4
Trouble comes to all without exception, and often without expectation, explanation, or escape. Tragedy strikes, fear follows,heartache comes, tears flow, anger arises, and we find ourselves in a sad situation. We want things to be different, but we can’t change or control what has happened. We grieve and wonder if we can ever laugh again. We search for answers, but find none. We ask God, but He isn’t talking. So we wonder—oh how we wonder- – ” Why?” It is then more than ever that we must cling to the precious promises of God. Writing to his congregation in 1846, James Smith said:
“The promises of Scriptures are the promises of the great God; they are all of free grace; they are confirmed by the blood of Jesus; and are exceeding great and very precious. They are so plain that a child can understand them; and so great that no angel could fulfil them. There is such a variety that they meet every case; and such a fulness that they include every want. They are breasts of consolation for the poor, tried, and distressed believer; and are the strength and support of every child of God. They are our plea at the throne of grace, our confidence in the hour of trail, and our rejoicing in prospect of death. Beloved, God’s promises are to be your daily comfort: it is for you to search them out, store them up, believe them, trust in them, plead them, and be assured of their fulfilment, because “He is faithful who promised.” The promises are more precious than gold or silver; sweeter than honey or the honey-comb; more lasting than the earth; and more stable than the pillars of heaven. Let us think of them, plead them, and expect their fulfilment today; our God is a faithful God, keeping covenant and mercy unto a thousand generations.”
Praise to the goodness of the Lord,
Who rules His people by His word;
And there as strong as His decrees,
He sets His kindest promises.
