A favorite hymn of mine is “Standing on the Promises.” This is yet another old time hymn that isn’t sung in many churches anymore making way for the newer Christian music being moved in to replace these sacred old songs.
This tremendous song was written in 1886 by a Methodist minister named Russell Kelso Carter. Carter was also a professor at the Philadelphia Military Academy after serving in the military himself.
It is a shame that many of these hymns have been pushed aside from our worship services. This song speaks directly to anyone that will take time to sing or even read the lyrics. It is a reminder to the Christian of the daily dependence we have on God and gives us confidence of our eternal home and His promises given to us through His Word.
Carter used his military war experience to help him pen the words to this song. I can tell you first hand that any soldier in a war zone will look to the Lord for guidance and protection. Believe me there is a tremendous amount of praying especially when you are looking in the face of the enemy. Each day we have our own war zone on the streets, in the homes, businesses, schools, industries, and even our churches in our hometown. Satan is rampant and never sleeps. I worry everyday about the children being tainted to the worldly ways and the temptations that are in front of them each day.
As a Christian we all know what our future holds. All one has to do is read the Bible and accept Christ as their Savior to understand that He has promised us eternal life with Him. What we do and how we are treated on earth will fade away with our death. The Lord told us through His prophet in Exodus 14:14; “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” All He asks you to do is accept Him as your Lord and Savior and He will guide you through any problems you face on earth.
When our time on earth is over and we go home to be with God we will then realize fully the promises God had given us.
The second verse of this great song should alert us to what we have when we put our trust in Jesus Christ. Read the words to this verse and let it sink into your mind:
“Standing on the promises that cannot fail, when the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail, standing on the promises of God.”
The song reminds us that whatever we face on earth that we have the promises of God for a brighter future. It doesn’t matter where you are or what you are facing. God is in control and when we allow Him to be in control of our lives we realize His promises to us.
It doesn’t matter what situation you are facing. Turn it over to the Lord and let Him guide you through it. It may not be what we want but the Lord knows best for us and He will sustain you and take care of you.
