Hymns have recently re-emerged into my day to day walking and talking with God. I've even been sitting down at the piano, using my elementary school piano lessons to plunk out some of these soul refreshing melodies. I've always had a soft spot for Hymns. My United Methodist upbringing in the 1990's is to thank for this love of Hymns. Over the years of our marriage, parenting, foster-parenting, friendship, advocacy work, and my nursing career, there have been highs and lows, and everything in between. God's word has sustained us through the low times, the impossible times, the medical scares, the let-downs, the grief, loss, and deep mourning.
God's word.
As we find ourselves in the midst of a new type of heavy parenting season, we can so often and so easily get stuck. We can get stuck in negativity. Stuck in the grief of knowing that things are not exactly as we had planned. Stuck in the let-downs. Stuck in our own feelings of inadequacy.
The one and only thing that brings us back and corrects our thinking is God's word. As He corrects our thinking when we sit in the Scriptures, our hearts become lighter, our conversations grow in playfulness and love, and the enemy flees as we speak God's word over home, over our family, our parenting, our marriage. We begin to see his light and his goodness again all around us. We remember that he's working for our good.
We're working on getting new scriptures up in each of our kids' bedrooms (thank you friends with cricuts and super deals at Michaels).
I don't know what you are standing on, but if it's not the Promises of God, I invite you to come back to God's word, or maybe open God's word for the first time. As for me, I'm in agreement with R. Kelso Carter (1849-1926) who must have also found life's battles to be nothing that he couldn't defeat with the help of God's word. I'm standing only because of God's promises. They have seen our family through trials we never thought possible to walk through. Peace is possible in the midst of those trials. Moving forward is possible. Not missing out on life is possible. Genuinely celebrating the good in life, even being fully present for the celebrations, is possible even when darkness exists in parts of our story. Defeating every lie of the enemy is possible, with the Promises of God.
Carter wrote the Hymn "Standing on the Promises of God" after a health scare at age 30 when he consecrated his life to God after learning there was nothing more that the doctors could do for his heart which was in critical condition. He told God at that time that whether God healed Carter or not, Carter was committed fully to God from then on, and at that time he began to stand upon the promises of healing. He ended up living another 49 years. (https://honeyforsweetnes.wordpress.com/2015/11/30/the-story-behind-the-song-standing-on-the-promises/)
What are you standing on?
Standing on the Promises
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 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.
-R. Kelso Carter, 1849-1926
Here are some of our family's recent favorite verses. The best time to find a favorite scripture and hide it in your heart, is now. When your next storm comes, what will you be standing on?
I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear, I will help you. Isaiah 41:13
I can ask God for wisdom and he will give it to me generously without finding fault in me. James 1:5
The LORD is my light and my salvation, I don't have to be afraid of anyone. Psalm 27:1
Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister. 1 John 4:21
God will command his angels to guard me in all my ways when I say "The LORD is my refuge" and make the most high my dwelling. Psalm 91:11, 9
I can find grace and mercy through Christ to help in a time of need. Hebrews 4:16
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. James 1:12
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the right of the poor and the needy. Proverbs 31:8-9
The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. Psalm 103:6
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. Psalm 23:5
The Lord will fight for you, you need only be still. Exodus 14:14
If my purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, no one will be able to stop it. They will only find themselves fighting against God. Acts 5:38-39
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9
Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Ephesians 6: 10-13
I am God's chosen, I am holy and dearly loved. Colossians 3:12
God will not forget me. He has engraved my name on the palm of his hands. Isaiah 49:15-16
My God turns darkness into light. Psalm 18:28
As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD's word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. Psalm 18:30
God arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. Psalm 18:32
What are you standing on?
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