Joyful Ruins

Oh the promises we ignore! How many times have I sought after promises You have never given me? And how often have I doubted Your promises because You have not given me specifically what I want?

Whether I am asking You for a job, a spouse, health, or financial provision, if I do not receive from You those exact things, I doubt You and Your promises.

I miss out on so much peace because I want to hear You say, “Jessica, you will get well again” or, “Jessica, you will get that job.” When I do not hear it or see it come to be, my heart doubts and imagines numerous lies about You.

Yet, heart, do not doubt! Cling, instead, to the treasures of promises in God’s word. They may not say I am promised health or wealth or a spouse. Oh no! They say much greater things!

They say….

Your plans for me are good, for my future and hope. (Jeremiah 29:11)

All things work together for our good according to Your purposes. (Romans 8:28)

You are with me. You strengthen, help, and uphold me. (Isaiah 41:10)

You will keep me in perfect peace when I trust in You. (Isaiah 26:3)

You go before me, you never leave or forsake me. (Deuteronomy 31:8)

In You, I have peace. (a variety of verses)

You instruct and teach me the way I should go. You lovingly counsel me. (Psalm 32:8)

You make my steps firm. You will not let me fall. (Psalm 37:23)

You give rest to my soul. (variety of verses)

Your power is made perfect in my weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

When I hope in You, my strength is renewed. (Isaiah 30:41)

You fight for me. (Exodus 14:14)

When I pass through trials, You are with me and protect me. (Isiah 43:2)

You love me and give me peace always! (2 Thessalonians 3:16)

You give wisdom to me generously. (James 1:5)

You forgive my sins when I repent. (Variety of verses)

I will not perish but have eternal life because I believe in the one and only Son. (John 3:16)

When you set me free, I am free. (John 8:36)

Whatever I ask for in prayer, if I believe, I will have it! (Matthew 21:22)

You will meet all my needs. (Philippians 4:19)

You hear me and deliver me from my troubles. (Psalm 34:17)

When I trust in You, You make my paths straight. (Proverbs 3:6)

You give good gifts to me when I ask… and so on! (Matthew 7:11)

May I cling to these promises in prayer and not my own selfish wants. May I believe those promises more than any fear or doubt that enters in due to what I see as unanswered prayers.