PROMISES
The Bible is filled with God's promises, each one intricately woven into its pages. This 6-day
devotional is a timely reminder from God Himself. His promises, whether fulfilled in our
lifetime or beyond, are enduring and always come to pass. As you read this devotional, I
pray you will be reminded of the Giver of the promise; I pray you embrace the promise of
the presence of God, the promise of the love of God, the promise of the peace of God, and
I pray you see purpose in the trials. You are encouraged to live in anticipation of the
promise of the return of Christ.
DAY 1: THE NATURE OF THE GIVER
Scripture: Numbers 23:19
We all have that one person in our lives who always keeps their word, a beacon of
reliability. But we also know others who, despite their promises, often fall short. In stark
contrast, God's promises are not like those of humans. He is the ultimate promise
keeper, and His faithfulness is absolute.
Before we explore some of God's promises in scripture over the next few days, I felt it
necessary to remind ourselves of the One who made the promises. His character is
unchanging, and His word is always accurate. As Numbers 23:19 says, 'God is not human,
that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and
then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?'
Today, I want you to meditate on those words repeatedly; remember who made you
believe in your promise, and trust that if He said it, He will do it. The Bible tells us to fix our
eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher; the challenge sometimes is we are so focused on
the promise being fulfilled or the lack of its fulfillment that we shift our gaze from the Giver
to the gift, from the Promiser to the pledge and this should never be the case.
Throughout the Bible, God is depicted as the ultimate Promise Keeper (from Abraham to
the Children of Israel, to Jesus, to revelation), unwavering in His faithfulness and integrity.
Even today, He is still a Promise Keeper.
In Psalm 20:7 the Psalmist says, “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses;
But we will remember the name of the LORD our God.” The NIV version says, “We will trust in
the “name” of the Lord our God.” The emphasis here is “name.” The passage doesn’t simply
say we will trust in “Our God.” It says we will trust in the “name.” This is powerful; it reminds
us to trust in the Character of God and His name, the person He has revealed Himself to be
through Scripture.
Reflecting on God’s faithfulness encourages us to trust Him more deeply. When we face
challenges, we can look back at His track record of keeping promises and be reassured.
God’s character is unchanging; He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews
13:8). His promises are sure, and His word is trustworthy. As you read and search the word,
may you be reminded that the Person you come to is a Promise Keeper.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You because You are God and sovereign. All Your ways are good,
even when I don’t understand them. Thank You for reminding me today to keep my eyes
fixed on You and remember the character of who You have revealed Yourself through Your
word. Help me to trust in Your word and rely on Your promises. When I face challenges and
uncertainties, remind me of Your faithfulness throughout history and my life. In Jesus'
name, Amen.
Meditate Numbers 23:19: “God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that
he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not
fulfill?"
DAY 2: THE PROMISE OF HIS PRESENCE
Scripture Reading: Matthew 28:20 (NIV)
It is so comforting to know that God’s presence is with us. I have two children, 9 and 7, and
often when they tell me they don’t want to go to bed because they don’t want to be alone, I
remind them, “You are not alone; God is with you,” and they quietly go back to their rooms.
For us as adults, It is easy to feel overwhelmed by life and lonely. Yet, amid these feelings,
there is a powerful and reassuring promise from God: His constant presence with us. This
promise, echoed throughout Scripture, provides us a profound sense of comfort and
security.
From the beginning, God’s desire to be with His people is evident. In Genesis, He walked
with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, illustrating His intent for an intimate relationship
with humanity. Despite the fall, God's commitment to being with His creation did not
waver.
Jesus Himself. After commissioning His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, He
concludes with a promise: "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age"
(Matthew 28:20). This promise is not just for the disciples of old but hope for all believers.
The Old Testament also affirms God’s promise of His presence. In Joshua 1:9, God
encourages Joshua of His presence. This assurance enabled Joshua to lead the Israelites
into the Promised Land confidently. Psalms 23:4 beautifully captures the promise of God’s
abiding presence. In our darkest moments, we can take solace in knowing that God is
guiding us.
God’s ultimate presence, as we know it now, is the Holy Spirit, the manifestation of God’s
presence within us. Jesus promised in John 14:16-17 that the Holy Spirit dwells in us,
offering guidance, comfort, and the assurance of God’s unceasing presence. In some
instances, the presence of God in our lives also comes in the form of the people He placed
around us to do life with; God’s presence shows up in different ways.
Reflecting on God’s promise of His presence invites us to cultivate a deeper awareness of
Him daily. As we go through this day, let us hold fast to the promise that God is always with
us. Be reassured that you are never alone, no matter the circumstances. Let us find
strength and comfort in this truth, knowing we are never alone.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I thank You for the promise of Your constant presence. Thank You for
telling me that I am never alone. Thank you for your Spirit that dwells in me and the angels
You send to keep charge over me. Thank You for the people You have placed around me so
I don’t do life alone. Help me to be mindful of Your presence in every moment of my life.
When faced with challenges and uncertainties, remind me that You are always with me,
guiding and comforting me. Strengthen my faith and fill me with Your peace, knowing I am
never alone. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Mediate: Isaiah 41:10
DAY 3: THE PROMISE OF GOD’S LOVE
Today's promise is one I love so much because it is about God’s love for mankind.
Scripture Reading: Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)
When I read the Bible, I read it as a love letter instead of a book of rules. The Bible's
promise of God's love is a central theme. In a world where love can often seem conditional
and fleeting, the promise of God's unchanging and everlasting love is a beacon of hope.
God's love for us is not based on our performance or circumstances but His very nature.
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, provides one of the most profound
declarations of God's love. He assures us that nothing in all creation can separate us from
the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38-39). This promise is all-
encompassing, covering every possible situation and power. Whether we face life or death,
angels or demons, present or future challenges, God's love remains unbreakable and
constant.
This divine love was most clearly demonstrated through the life, death, and resurrection of
Jesus Christ, as recorded in John 3:16. God's love is also deeply personal and intimate. In
Psalm 139, David reflects on how intimately God knows and cares for him.
God's love is unchanging. Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us, "Because of the Lord's great
love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness." Each day, we can rely on God's unwavering love and
compassion. I sometimes get overwhelmed when I consider the magnitude of God's love. It
is steady and a gift we could never have paid for…..wow, that is beyond amazing.
As we go through this day, let us hold fast to the promise of God's love. You are His
beloved, and He is yours.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible promise of Your unfailing love. Help
me to grasp the depth and breadth of Your love for me. Thank You that I am loved by You
because of You and not based on my “works.” When my mind wants to forget, remind me
of the truth of the promise of Your love and help me to forever rest in Your love. In Jesus'
name, Amen.
Meditate: Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)
DAY 4: THE PROMISE OF TRIALS
Scripture Reading: James 1:2-4 (NIV)
As we think of the promises of God, we often think of the promises of abundance,
prosperity, good health, and much more. While all these things are true that God promises
us, I often feel it is important also to remember that God doesn’t stop being good and
faithful when we face hard times.
Trials are an inevitable part of life, and while they are often unwelcome, the Bible assures
us that they are not without purpose. In his epistle, James encourages us to view trials
through a different lens—not as mere obstacles but as opportunities for growth and
spiritual maturity.
James’ exhortation to "consider it pure joy" when facing trials might seem counterintuitive,
especially amid hardship. However, this perspective is rooted in the understanding that
trials are a means through which God works in our lives and are part of the promise. They
test our faith and produce perseverance, leading to spiritual maturity and completeness.
When we face trials, we must remember that God is not distant or indifferent. He is actively
involved in our lives and uses these experiences to shape us more into the likeness of
Christ as seen in 1 Peter 1:6-7.
The promise of trials also brings an opportunity to draw closer to God. When encountering
difficulties, we are often driven to seek Him more earnestly. As Paul shared, sometimes,
even when the trial doesn’t go away, God’s grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9). I have
found this to be so true in my life that in my trials, I felt God’s presence the most. In our
moments of weakness, if we lean into God, we experience the sufficiency of His grace and
the profound power of His presence.
As we navigate our trials, let us embrace them with the knowledge that they are not in vain;
the promise of trials is a profound aspect of the Christian faith. They are part of God’s
refining process to build perseverance and bring us to spiritual maturity, as Jesus said in
John 15 about the pruning of the branches that produce fruit so it can produce more. Let
us also seek to find joy in the journey, knowing that God is with us, working all things
together for our good (Romans 8:28).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise of Your presence through the trial. Like
the Hebrew boys, please help me boldly walk through trials, knowing that You are with me
even when You choose not to take them away. Help me see my trials from Your
perspective and find joy in knowing that You are using these challenges to grow my faith
and character. Grant me strength and perseverance, and let Your grace be evident in my
weaknesses. As I face trials, remind me of Your constant presence and faithfulness. In
Jesus' name, Amen.
Meditate John 16:33
DAY 5: THE PROMISE OF PEACE
Scripture Reading: John 14:27 (NIV)
You and I agree that this world is full of chaos and uncertainty. We live in “interesting
times,” and in this chaos, God promises peace. Jesus’ promise of peace is not merely the
absence of conflict but a profound inner tranquility that transcends our circumstances.
Jesus is our "Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6).
This divine peace is described in Philippians 4:7 as "the peace of God, which transcends all
understanding." It guards our hearts and minds, even during life’s storms. It is not
dependent on external circumstances but is anchored in the assurance of God's
sovereignty and faithful presence. I love the part of the scripture that speaks of peace
“guarding” like a shield. This means God’s promise of peace is a promise of protection as
well because His peace is a shield.
In moments of anxiety or turmoil, we can turn to this promise of peace. Jesus invites us to
cast our cares upon Him and to seek His peace through prayer. Matthew 11:28 invites you
to obtain this promise of peace today. Wherever you feel a loss of peace in your life right
now, take a moment and pause and acknowledge out loud the peace of God that is already
available.
As we embrace this promise of peace, let us also be channels of “peace” to those around us
by reflecting the peace of Christ in our interaction. Our lives, marked by His peace, become
a testimony to His transformative power.
As you face the challenges of this day, hold on to Jesus' promise of peace. God's promise of
peace provides a sense of calm and assurance not dependent on the external environment
but deeply rooted in God's character and presence.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise of peace that Jesus gives me; thank
You for the protection that comes through peace. In life’s challenges and uncertainties,
help me to rest in Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Calm my heart and mind,
and let Your peace guard me from fear and anxiety. May I also share this peace with
others, reflecting Your love and grace in all I do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Meditate: Matthew 11:28
DAY 6: THE PROMISE OF HIS RETURN
Scripture Reading: John 14:3 (NIV)
On the final day of this devotional, I genuinely hope you have been reminded of God’s
promises and are strengthened to keep hoping and believing.
As we live busy lives, it is easy to think this is all there is. When the news of someone
passing hits us, we are reminded of an eternity with Christ. However, Christians should
eagerly anticipate Christ's return. Jesus’ promise to return and bring His followers to be
with Him is a profound assurance that shapes our faith and provides us with enduring
hope.
This promise of Christ’s return is central to Christian hope. In Acts 1:11, the angels declared
to the disciples after Jesus’ ascension; this statement underscores the certainty and
visibility of Christ’s return, reminding us that it is a tangible event that will occur in God’s
perfect timing.
The promise of Christ’s return also encourages us to live with a sense of readiness and
anticipation. In 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Paul writes about the coming of Christ; this
promise assures us of our eternal union with Christ, providing comfort and encouragement
as we await His return.
Living in the light of this promise impacts how we live today. It encourages us to pursue a
life of faithfulness, love, and service, knowing that our actions have eternal significance.
The anticipation of Christ’s return should inspire us to share the gospel and live out our
faith with urgency and joy, reflecting our hope in Him to those who have a relationship with
Christ. Until that day comes, may we remain steadfast in our faith, eagerly awaiting the
fulfillment of His promise.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for taking me through this 6-day devotional on Your
promises. Thank You for the new things You revealed to me through this. Ultimately, thank
You for the promise of Jesus’ return. As I wait for this glorious event, help me to live with
hope, readiness, and purpose. Strengthen my faith and fill my heart with anticipation for
the day I will be united with Christ forever. May this promise inspire me to live out my faith
joyfully and share Your love with others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Meditate: In Revelation 22:12