But usually at some point during the week there is a situation that comes up, or a worry that won't leave my mind, that calls for picking one promise in particular. I read that one promise over and over and coach my mind to think on it. I pray over it, and I plead it. We glorify God when we plead His promises. He loves it when we take one of His own promises back to Him and say,"Do as You have said, Lord." As C.H. Spurgeon says in his legendary devotional book Morning & Evening (which, let me just say, YES, I highly recommend buying this one or finding an app for it):
God's promises were never meant to be thrown aside as waste paper; He intended that they should be used.
Our Heavenly banker delights to cash His own notes.
Our Heavenly banker delights to cash His own notes.
Last week I was facing a situation that was (and still is) confusing and hard and sad and painful. I was aching to have clarity on how to handle/respond to it. I needed to respond to it somehow, and I needed to decide how I was going to do that. I needed guidance. And the Lord brought this verse to mind- Psalm 32:8, Promise #38 in my the memory card collection:
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you."
I had just seen this verse not long ago in one of my devotional readings and knew it was for me. It was perfect- exactly what I needed. I did recite it over and over to myself, day by day, all week long. And I did go to the Lord with it and I asked Him to "do as He said." And He did. I found rest for my mind and made my decision, knowing that He had instructed me. The only One who gives perfect wisdom, who never changes, and never fails. My friends, I know you are facing lots of decisions today, this week, and always. Let me encourage you with my own experience from last week. When you are anxious about a decision you need to make, battle the unbelief, stress, and worried thoughts with the promise of Psalm 32:8.
Now it's your turn to talk! Are you using His promises and cashing them in day by day? Yay! Please, if you feel like sharing, I'd love to hear a particular promise that you have pleaded lately. Let's encourage each other and give praise to Jesus by talking about all the great things He has done for us. It doesn't have to be a long comment, just a quick reference or word of praise, because...
"No eye has seen a God besides you, who works for those who wait for him."
Isaiah 64:4
7 comments:
"God's promises were never meant to be thrown aside as waste paper; He intended that they should be used.
Our Heavenly banker delights to cash His own notes."
YES! Thank you for this timely reminder. Bless you, Summer!
I got my cards in the mail last week! My husband and I have wanted to get better about storing God's word in our hearts for a while now, and I thought these would be perfect! Each week he puts a card in his office and I keep mine in my kitchen and by the end of the week, we know a new promise! Thanks for putting them back in the shop, they have been such a blessing for us.
One of my favorite verses is, "God gives wisdom liberally and without reproach," and I use it very often in my prayers. I don't think that I am very wise, but I have faith that God is guiding me nonetheless (at least most of the time, hah). I'm praying for your situation!
I just wrote a blog post in response to this! It's a wonderful thing to start the day by reminding ourselves of His truth. The lies will fly fast and furious all day, and I for one need constant reminders from God's Word. Thanks Summer.
xo Laura
renewmyhome.blogspot.com
Thanks, Laura!! Your post was so sweet! :)
My cards just arrived the other day. They are a gift to my mom who is being caretaker to her sweet husband battling cancer. They met and married later in life. I just know the Lord will use these cards to bring her joy, peace and comfort. By the big, happy hug I got after giving them to her I'd like you to know they have already brought joy. Thanks! :)
What a great way to practically apply scripture to our lives, Summer - I haven't done that enough lately! One verse that I tend to preach to myself is Philippians 4:13 (I can do all things through Him who strengthens me), then I say it again, replacing "all things" with whatever I'm struggling with at that moment or with words that describe a tough situation I'm facing (for example "I can do impossible/embarrassing/super stressful/overwhelming things through him who strengthens me"). It's a little cliche, but it's really helped me challenge myself to ditch excuses and lean on the Lord lately.