Treasury of Promises

When times are tough, virtuous women can find it powerfully reassuring to reflect on God’s treasury of promises. Here are just a few of them.

The Bible is so full of promises that it is virtually impossible to count them all. Some have tried, and the numbers range from 3,000 to 8,000. A friend recently told me that she considers the entire Bible to be a book of promises!

A promise is defined as an assurance that something will be done or not done. Often it is during times of difficulty that we look for assurance that, somehow, we will get through our trials; and we look for sureties to cling to. The Bible is rich with such assurances and sure promises.

His promises are sure

• Joshua 23:14: “Behold, this day I am going the way of all the earth. And you know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one thing has failed of all the good things which the LORD your God spoke concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one word of them has failed.”
• Romans 4:20-21: “He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.”

Promises concerning God Himself

• Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
• Isaiah 26:3: “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”
• Luke 18:27: “But He said, ‘The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.’”
• Hebrews 6:18: “That by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us.”
• Hebrews 13:5-6: “For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we may boldly say: ‘The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’”

Promise of empathy

• Hebrews 4:15-16: “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Promises for comfort and encouragement

• Matthew 5:2-4, 10: “Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying: ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. … Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
• Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
• Philippians 4:6-7: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
• 1 Corinthians 10:13: “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

Promises of hope

• Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
• 1 John 2:25: “And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life.”

Promise of a better world

• Revelation 21:3-4: “And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.’”