God’s promises. It’s soul food. Nourishment. His promises sustain our hearts. Keeps us strong. In the book of Psalm, David says, “thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”
Memorizing scripture is so important, it keeps our hearts on the right path. I’ve learned that when I’m going through a difficult time or struggling with something, it’s a whole lot harder to pick up my bible. And on the flip side, when it’s “summer time and the living’s easy”, it’s easier for me to read.
My advice, is store up on God’s promises, for when the going gets hard. Imagine this, two different cities- they’re both experiencing a time of peace. One city decides to use this period to build up walls, watch towers, and gates around the city. The other city says, “hey, let’s enjoy this time of rest.” I know you can see where I’m going here, the periods of peace come to an end one city is prepared and the other is not. Our lives are the same.
We struggle with doubt, anxiety, fear, loved ones getting sick, there are so many obstacles that can take place and blindside us. It’s always when we least expect it. And if we are like the city who built up walls and barricades we are more prepared for the battle. The city that decided to rest is going to have a much harder time defeating their enemy, I’m not saying it’s impossible but think of the damage and despair they could have prevented had they put forth the effort when times were easy.
God’s promises are the bars around our hearts, the walls that keep the enemy out. If we allow it, His word is our watchtower. God knows our future, and can warn us of the dangers that lie ahead. His promises will not break, they will not falter, and when we know them and BELIEVE them- it builds a wall of protection around our hearts. They are the antidote for fear, doubt, and panic because they can not be broken. And when we know them- truly 100%- without a shadow of a doubt know them, then Satan has no chance.
I’ve lived this scenario, after becoming a stay at home mom, and y’all know this, I went through a very long period of not reading my bible (started a blog because I thought that was going to help me, it didn’t). I was struggling with loneliness, depression, identity….which is the complete opposite of who I am. It was a dark time for me, I hate admitting it but I also want people who might be struggling to know it’s not always been cupcakes and rainbows over here. LOL
One night after a crazy long hair pulling kind of day, I went outside and just sat down with my bible. I had hit an all time low, I didn’t like who I was or how I felt…it was just crummy. All around a big crumfest. And I’ll be honest, because I know others struggle with this too. I had my bible, but I did not even want to read it. I really didn’t, I wanted to just sit and scroll on instagram or anything other than read my bible. But I knew nothing else was going to help, so I made myself. I ended up falling on 1 Peter 5:7
Casting all your care upon him; for HE CARETH for you.
Immedietly I felt the Holy Spirit – I knew then that I was not alone. Things didn’t automatically or magically get better either but I held onto those words. I was the city that didn’t store up on God’s word to protect my heart, and the enemy struck, leaving me shell shocked. I was fighting a battle and trying to build walls at the same time. It wasn’t easy but I am grateful for what it taught me. It changed me and my love for His word. Know this, that when you tell Satan a promise from God, he stands in defeat.
Now, let me just wrangle this and bring it back home for you. Please, walk away knowing this: that there is a CRAZY amount of power in knowing God’s promises. You can stand up and face anything in this world, with His word. There is scripture for every circumstance, every problem you will ever face. Depression, anger, a baby that won’t breastfeed (LOL, oh yea. I have a scripture from God highlighted in my bible when Penland was a newborn and wouldn’t nurse), loneliness, sickness, or family. It’s all there.
The Bible is full of promises, but we can’t claim them unless we know them. These are just a few of God’s promises that I have highlighted. (and when I say few, I mean few….the Bible is chockfull of promises!) I would love to know a verse or a scripture that speaks to your heart! Here’s just a few of mine.
John 14:18- I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
Mark 11:22-24- And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass: he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when you pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. (This is the passage I have highlighted in my bible for Penland when she wasn’t nursing. It might seem silly to take things like this to God, but it’s not because God answered this prayer and I nursed her for a whole year!)
Isaiah 40:29-31- He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run, and not be weary, and they shall walk, and not faint. ( My mom sent this to me when I was weak in the spirit after becoming a stay at home momma, and God has been faithful and brought me through the storm)
Philippians 4:19- But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Isaiah 41:10- Fear thou not; for I am with thee; be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hadn’t of my righteousness.
Psalm 46:1- God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
John 15:7- If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
