What Does God Promise Us… Really?
Here are four promises from Scripture that you can hold on to no matter what season you’re in.
In church and Christian culture, a common phrase is “the promises of God.” You’ll hear this in tough seasons, moments of crisis, and worship songs. You’ll see those words hanging on walls in homes and in graphics on social media.
But what does God actually promise?
What is so interesting about the phrase “the promises of God” is that we often apply it to whatever we want at the time. While we know that’s not true, we emotionally feel like God has promised us what we want or to resolve a problem that’s in front of us.
We often feel like God has promised us a job while we’re unemployed, a baby during a season of infertility, or some other specific thing.
What does God actually promise? Here are four promises from Scripture that you can hold on to no matter what season you’re in.
- You Will Have Trouble
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. - John 16:33
Jesus gave us no doubts about the fact that in this life, we will have trouble. Period. Plain as the text on the page you’re reading is the promise that this life comes with trouble.
Part of the encouragement is that the trouble is specific to this life. Trouble won’t follow us to the next life. God will wipe away every tear and pain in eternity. In the longing, pain, or fear, we discover that we’re meant for a better world.
The promise is of trouble, but Jesus gives us two words that encourage us amidst trouble: peace and overcoming. Peace in this passage comes from the Holy Spirit. God is with us. Jesus is a conqueror of this world. He has overcome. Everything is well in hand.
- All Things For Good
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. - Romans 8:28
God does promise that He will use this journey for our good. God is working the journey for the good of us and His glory. How that plays out is a great question. But the truth of God is that He will turn this for good.
God will turn this for good, so in between now and the day He does, we have to trust He will.
- With You Always
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. - Matthew 28:19-20
Jesus gave the disciples (and us) a huge mission: to disciple all nations. Then, He gave us a sweet promise: He is with us until the very end.
Jesus knew the pain of longing. He longed to be with His Father in heaven. He longed for the cup to pass from Him. He hungered for food during a 40-day fast. Jesus was fully human, knowing the pain of waiting and struggling.
Jesus is with us in the pain. What a sweet and rich promise! Jesus cares for us, relates to us, and comforts us. Jesus is with us.
- Peace Beyond Understanding
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:6-7
Prayer brings peace. While we don’t quite understand the place God has us in, we can receive the peace God has for us. Even if we don’t understand it.
