God's Promises: Week 1: The Foundation of Hope: The Character of God

 


Here are some powerful scriptures that speak to God's promises, trusting Him, and believing that He desires what is best for us, even when life is uncertain or hard:

🌿 Trusting God's Plans & Promises

  1. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

    “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.”
    – God's plans are purposeful and filled with hope, even when we can’t yet see the outcome.

  2. Romans 8:28 (NIV)

    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.
    – Even our broken pieces and setbacks are being woven into something good.

  3. Proverbs 3:5–6 (NIV)

    Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
    – A call to trust even when we don’t “get it.”

🌟 God Wants the Best for Us

  1. Psalm 84:11 (NIV)

    For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.
    – God is generous and kind, not stingy with His blessings.

  2. Matthew 7:11 (NIV)

    If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
    – A reminder of God’s fatherly heart and generosity.

  3. John 10:10 (NIV)

    The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
    – Jesus doesn’t promise ease, but He does promise abundance and purpose.

🌄 Hope in the Process and the Outcome

  1. Isaiah 55:8–9 (NIV)

    “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
    – Even when we don’t understand, He is trustworthy.

  2. Philippians 1:6 (NIV)

    Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
    – He finishes what He starts in your life.

  3. Lamentations 3:22–23 (ESV)

    The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
    – Daily mercies for daily trials.

  4. Psalm 37:5 (NIV)

    Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this.
    – Letting go is how God steps in.

    *** 

Here are some scriptures that point to God's promises about trusting Him:

Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit1 to him, and he will make your paths straight."2 (This promises guidance when we trust.)

Psalm 37:3-5: "Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this."3 (This links trust with provision and God acting on our behalf.)

Psalm 56:3: "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you." (This highlights trust as a refuge in fear.)

Isaiah 26:3-4: "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal."4 (This connects trust with peace and God's eternal reliability.)

Psalm 9:10: "And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you." (This5 assures that God doesn't abandon those who trust Him.)

Jeremiah 17:7-8: "But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream; it does not fear when heat comes,6 for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."7 (This illustrates the stability and resilience that comes from trusting God.)

Psalm 28:7: "The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks8 to him." (This shows trust leading to help and joy.)

Psalm 118:8: "It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans." (This emphasizes the superior reliability of trusting God.)

Romans 15:13: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope9 by the power of the Holy Spirit."10 (This links trust with joy, peace, and hope.)

These scriptures offer a glimpse into God's promises for those who place their trust in Him, highlighting benefits like guidance, provision, peace, help, and unwavering support.

***

The Carpenter's Trust, a devotional 

The scent of sawdust and warm wood shavings always brought a sense of peace to Elias's small workshop. Sunlight streamed through the dusty windowpanes, illuminating the intricate grain of the oak he was currently shaping. Elias was a craftsman of quiet dedication, his hands calloused but sure, his movements deliberate and precise. He built sturdy furniture, knowing that each piece would become a part of someone's home, a silent witness to their lives.

One blustery autumn afternoon, a young woman named Clara came to his shop. She carried a worn, splintered stool, its legs wobbly and threatening to collapse. "Elias," she said, her voice tinged with worry, "This was my grandmother's. It's not fancy, but it holds so many memories. Can you possibly fix it?"

Elias gently took the stool, his experienced fingers tracing the cracks and loose joints. He nodded slowly. "It can be mended, Clara. The wood itself is sound. It just needs careful attention and sturdy joinery."

As he worked, Elias often thought about the materials he used. He trusted the strength of the oak, the resilience of the maple. He knew their properties, their limitations, and their potential. He had learned over years of patient work that good wood, handled with care and skill, would hold firm.

That evening, as he smoothed the last repaired joint of Clara's stool, the verse from Proverbs his own grandfather had taught him came to mind: "Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him."

Elias paused, the finished stool warm beneath his hand. He realized the parallel. Just as he trusted the inherent strength and reliability of good wood, so too could he trust the inherent perfection and unwavering truth of God's Word. God's promises weren't like flimsy veneers or weak joints; they were like the solid heartwood of an ancient tree, tested by time and proven true. And just as the sturdy stool would offer Clara a safe place to rest, God's Word offered a secure refuge for her soul.

He carefully wrapped the stool, ready for Clara to collect. The worry in her eyes that afternoon had mirrored the instability of the broken furniture. He hoped that just as the stool had been made whole and dependable again, Clara, by taking refuge in the flawless promises of God, would also find a renewed sense of stability and peace in her own life. The world might offer shaky support, but God's Word, like the finest, most reliable wood, would always hold firm.

Moral of the Story:

Elias, the carpenter, reminds us that just as he trusts the inherent quality of his materials, we can trust the flawless nature of God's Word. Proverbs 30:5 assures us that every promise God makes is true and reliable. When the world around us feels unstable and our own strength falters, God's Word is our sturdy refuge, a place where we can find unwavering support and security.

Reflection:

Think about a time when you placed your trust in something that ultimately failed you. How did that feel? Now consider the promise in Proverbs 30:5. How does knowing that God's Word is flawless offer a different kind of trust, a trust that won't be disappointed?

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for your Word, which is perfect and true. Help me to see it not just as words on a page, but as a solid foundation on which I can build my life and find refuge in times of trouble. Strengthen my trust in your flawless promises, knowing that you are a faithful God who always keeps your word. Amen.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Hope in Bloom - Restoration of the broken pieces of life

Image
  That’s a beautiful and deeply meaningful vision— Hope in Bloom: Living Everyday with a God-Focused Heart   is a title full of gentle strength and promise. Let’s shape Ellie and Reid’s story into a scene that also works as a devotional reflection—something with heart, scripture, and a soft teaching moment through story. Devotional Story Draft – “The Garden Wall” Inspired by: Hope in the Storm – May: The Garden of Her Heart Theme: Restoration through Community Scripture: Isaiah 58:12 (NIV) "Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings." Scene: Ellie hadn’t cried when the wind knocked down the memorial wall. Not when she found the shattered terracotta pots, the wind-tossed ribbons, or the hand-written notes soaked and torn in the grass. She had blinked hard, clenched her jaw, and swept it all into a box. It was supposed to be a quiet way for people to grieve...
Read more

A Quiet Assurance - Context and Devotional on 1 John 3:19-21

  That's a powerful and comforting verse! To understand 1 John 3:20, it's helpful to look at the verses surrounding it and the overall themes of the letter. Here's some context: Immediate Context (1 John 3:19-21): Verse 19: "This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence." This verse sets the stage. John is talking about how believers can have assurance of their faith and peace with God. He's emphasizing the importance of action and love as evidence of genuine faith. Verse 21: "Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God." This verse presents a contrasting scenario. When our conscience is clear, we have boldness and confidence in our relationship with God. Connecting Verse 20: Verse 20 comes in the middle of this discussion about assurance and a clear conscience. It addresses the times when our hearts do condemn us. This could be due to: Genuine conviction o...
Read more

Hills & Valleys - expanded to a 6 week study

Image
Below is an expanded version of  "Hills & Valleys: Learning to Look to Jesus during Life’s Emotional Highs & Lows" prompt journal Bible study, with deeper weekly themes, discussion/reflection questions, and devotional thoughts for a richer group or personal study experience. You could easily use this for a 6-week church group, small group, or solo journal journey. 🌄 Hills & Valleys A 6-Week Prompt Journal Bible Study Learning to Look to Jesus during Life’s Emotional Highs & Lows ✨ How to Use This Study: Each week offers a devotional theme, Scripture focus, journal prompt, reflection questions, and practical application. You can use this alone, with a friend, or in a group. Set aside quiet time each week to invite God into your peak and valley places—and learn to see His steady presence in both. 📖 Week 1: The God of the Mountains and the Valleys Read: 1 Kings 20:28, Psalm 121:1-2 Devotional Thought: The same God who shows His glory on the moun...
Read more