During this season of busyness, reflecting on those no longer with us or trying to forge ahead in these tedious and uncertain times, how many of you remember to take time to read daily the promises in God’s Word? He has been faithful in the past, He is faithful now and He will always be faithful. He won’t fail, He can’t, He is ABLE!

I am grateful today for the many promises He has made. Promises that have ministered to my soul, my heart, and my spirit in the many storms of my life. Often I have been fraught with physical pain, emotional hurt and unbearable heartbreak, but when I found myself in my war room with my Bible on my lap, sometimes reading through tears that blurred the words, I found His presence and I felt His comfort. It was in those times that I found the peace of knowing God was holding me in His arms. My chair became His lap and He gave me rest for my weary soul. We shared His promises in His word and He gave me strength, assurances and hope that life will continue.

I would like to share some of His promises that have been activated and experienced numerous times in my life:

When I question my ability, qualifications, aptitude or current circumstances. I quickly turn to Philippians 4:13 – “I, Cynthia, can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” This verse is our family creed. For our marriage, I am so grateful God matched Q and myself together. We have learned to heed the Holy Spirit regarding our words and actions towards each other. Truly Jesus is the glue that binds our hearts as one. We stand on Matthew 19:6, “So they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

We have entered into a new season in our lives; my husband has retired after 39 years of working in corporate America. When Satan whispers “You don’t have enough,” God says, “I have plenty!” Philippians 4:19 says, “My God shall supply all of our needs according to His riches in glory through Christ Jesus.” Just for good measure, Psalm 23:1 reminds me that “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.”

For our son, Justin, we prayed and believed God has great plans for his life. God has been faithful to His promise. He blessed Justin with both a wonderful wife and career. Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Thank you Lord for hearing and answering our prayers yet again!

When fear threatens to overtake and paralyze my calling, II Timothy 1:7 says, “God has not given me a spirit of fear but of power, of love and a sound mind.” In relationship challenges I am comforted by His Word, Proverbs 18:24 which reads, “He is a friend that sticks closer than any brother.” In His word we learn “Joy will come in the morning.” Our help comes from the Lord, the Maker of Heaven!

No matter what is going on we cling to God’s promise in Lamentations 3:22-23, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning.” In trial and tragedies, God promises He will right the wrong done to us. Joel 2:25 says, “I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten….”

When I am impatient, weary, & worn-out and want to see immediate change to my circumstances, I am reminded of Isaiah 40:31, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” When I don’t understand the cruelty of man or when every effort I’ve tried has failed, I won’t fall apart! I will believe in God’s will for my life because of what the Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

Finally, regardless of who you voted for during this recent Presidential election, understand that Philippians 4:6-7 says it best: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

I pray you will claim some of these promises for your own and more that you will search the Word to find what God wants to speak to you personally.

My gift is to remind you all that no matter how wonderful the honey-baked ham, Butterball turkey & dressing are, no matter how amazing the sweet potato pies and red velvet cake, no matter if Grandma really put her foot in the meal this year, there is nothing more life sustaining, health maintaining, calm reclaiming than the blessed Word of God…taste and see that it is good!