Please don't refresh this page.
We are submitting all your information.


This takes few seconds.
It will redirect after submission.
Devotional

The Peace and Permanence of God’s Promises

by CARISSA JOY STRUM PROMISES OF GOD Contentment Reliance Trust Hope
The Peace and Permanence of God’s Promises
  • by CARISSA JOY STRUM
  • Comment
“All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. “You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe.”
John 14:25-29

He got down on one knee and my whole world changed. Suddenly I was saying “yes” and he was slipping a beautiful ring on my finger, and I knew that nothing would ever be quite the same. In that moment, I felt like I would never be annoyed or mad at him ever—I would only feel the happy giddiness of just getting engaged. However, while the happiness lasted, the annoyances slipped in from time to time. As I talked with him about life and we communicated about the small but annoying conflicts that popped up, I played with the ring on my finger. It stayed perfectly in place, even when I was tired or grumpy or rude or hurt. It remained, and so did our commitment. Regardless of feelings or circumstances, the choice we made will stand forever. 


A ring is such a beautiful example of the promises of God. Sometimes we’ll have that “just engaged” feeling and feel that we love God and will never feel confused or upset. Sometimes we’ll feel apathetic and frustrated that we don’t have that “first love” feeling at the moment. Other times we’ll be upset, confused, or just plain angry. But the commitment remains. The promises remain. God is eternal and unchanging (Hebrews 13:8), and we can trust that His promises reflect His eternal nature. We can bank on God’s promises even when every other promise seems to fall away. 


The security of God’s promises leads to peace. In Ephesians 2, we learn that Christ is “our peace” (2:14, ESV) and worked to bring the peace of reconciliation between God and all of humanity (us!). In the passage above, we see that the Holy Spirit is an agent of the peace that Jesus gives and can remind us of that peace when we’re feeling uncertain, just like a ring on a finger is a reminder of a sure and steady commitment. 


Whatever you’re feeling today and whatever promises feel broken or irrelevant, remember that Jesus and His promises will stand forever. He is making a home for you, and He is coming back for you. If you’re having trouble remembering those promises or feeling that peace, reach out to others in community and ask the Holy Spirit to remind you of these eternal, unshakable truths. 


Closing Prayer
Father, Thank You that You not only give us promises but You also provide Your Holy Spirit to remind us and bring us peace. Thank You for Your grace, and that Christ “preached peace” (Eph. 2:17) and provided a way for us to be reconciled with you (Eph. 2). It can be hard to remember Your promises and to feel in love with You. We ask in Jesus’ Name that the Holy Spirit would remind us of Your promises and love. We trust and pray that, as we are dwelling on You and Your promises, we will share Your Name and promises with those You’ve placed around us. We love You, Lord, and we eagerly await Your return and the fulfillment of every promise. In the powerful and precious Name of Your Son we pray. Amen.
Resources
Devotional: FAITHFUL | THE COVENANT GOD FROM EDEN TO ETERNITY by The Daily Grace Co. This small devotional is a wonderful way to see and reflect on God’s faithfulness throughout Scripture. As we see His faithfulness and fulfillment of promises throughout His Word, our eyes will be primed to see His faithfulness and presence in our world today.
Question for Reflection

What promise of God can you ask the Holy Spirit to remind you of and dwell on this week? All of God’s words and promises are valuable and powerful, and when we dwell on our Father we will be renewing our minds (Rom. 12:2) and focusing on good and noble things (Phil. 4:8).

Comments
Carissa Joy Strum
January 11, 2022

This week, I want to dwell on the fact that God promises to bring peace. Worry has become such a habit in my life that I tend to assume I will be worried or stressed. However, God promises His peace, and living with that peace can be a beautiful witness of God’s transformational power in my life. I am eager and excited to pray about and lean into God’s peace this week.