It seams like forever since I’ve been able to put any words down on paper. Forever since I’ve been able to muddle through a whirlwind of thoughts, events and emotions. And through all of the things that have been going on in the last few weeks the verses that I have been reminded of fill me heart with hope.
I grew up in a Christian home and attended church since I was a kid. I’ve heard the same set of verses so many times that the repetition has held little meaning in my own life. The Beatitudes for one, I mean how many times did we hear them and go, “yes yes I’ll be meek and a peacemaker blah blah blah” and then when you actually need them, when your soul cries for comfort, it’s right there,
Matthew 5:2-9, “And 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 the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
It seamed to answer so many questions, so many issues all at once. The commandments to mourn and to be meek and to be merciful were no longer commandments, they were no longer things that I had to do as a Christian, instead they were words of comfort for all the things that have overwhelmed me for the last few weeks. Comfort when the thirst for righteousness becomes a heavy burden of failure. Comfort when the mourning threatens to make a heart stop beating, when peacemaking hurts more then fighting. Comfort to know that it is right to be merciful.
So many times I have heard these verses and only seen my failings, or seen nothing at all. How these words ring with the promises of Jesus Christ, promises that I cling to now and become sweeter with every tear that falls.
Standing on the promises of Christ my King,
Through eternal ages let His praises ring,
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.
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.
Standing on the promises I now can see
Perfect, present cleansing in the blood for me;
Standing in the liberty where Christ makes free,
Standing on the promises of God.
Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,
Bound to Him eternally by love’s strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,
Standing on the promises of God.
Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
Listening every moment to the Spirit’s call
Resting in my Savior as my all in all,
Standing on the promises of God.. Kelso Carter, 1849-1926
