Forever Promises

When we promise to do something, we must fulfill that promise, no matter the obstacles and without regard to timing. Fulfilling the promise demonstrates our integrity and trustworthiness. We may have to take action to fulfill the promise repeatedly over an extended period of time.

Psalm 117 says, “Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol him, all peoples! For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD!” We tend to measure our own faithfulness in small amounts of time. We say, “I was faithful to my wife for years” or “I faithfully fulfilled my job requirements for months”. God’s faithfulness endures forever. His faithfulness to His Word, His promises, and His people doesn’t take even momentary breaks.

Commissioned

Those who are commissioned by some authority, are obligated to fulfill the tasks for which they are commissioned. They are further obligated to represent the authority faithfully according to the instructions given to them.

Isaiah 61:1-3 says, “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.” In this prophesy regarding the coming Messiah, God describes what the Messiah will do. He will teach good news about God’s kingdom. He will heal broken hearts. He will grant freedom to those bound by addictions and evil ways. These prophesies were fulfilled by Jesus’ earthly life and remain fulfilled for the lives of those who trust Him.

Avoid Stumbling

As I get older, I am tending to shuffle my feet more when I walk. Shuffling, or not lifting my feet, causes me to stumble and fall more often. I am usually fine when the walking surface is smooth and well-lit. But add in some obstacles or inattention on my part, and the odds of stumbling increase.

Proverbs 3:21-23 says, “My son, do not lose sight of these – keep sound wisdom and discretion, and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck.   Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble.” When we forsake God’s wisdom, our path through life becomes more treacherous. Obstacles abound and we are sure to stumble. God’s truth lights the way for a secure walk and eternal life.

The Quest For More

We are on a quest to get more. We want more money, bigger houses, grander vacations, more sleep, and more attention from others. Nothing seems to fill us. It is like eating the biggest and best Thanksgiving dinner, only to want more.

In John 4:13-14 Jesus says, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” We are plagued with the thirst for more, never fully satisfied with what we have or do. Jesus promises to satisfy our thirst so that we will never thirst for more again. When the thirst for more comes into our hearts and minds, we can turn to Jesus, listen to Him, and follow Him wherever He leads. We will find springs of eternal life.

Brushed Off

When we share our struggles with friends, they may make light of them or try to top our troubles with a detailed explanation of their own. When this happens, we can become discouraged and feel like our troubles are not significant in the eyes of other people.

Psalm 56:8 says, “You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book?” Other people may belittle how you feel. On the other hand, God knows and understands our feelings. He brings truth and healing for us in our sufferings.