God’s promises to the lonely, burdened, and guilty

Someone has said there are 8,810 promises in the Bible. These include promises God made to man, man made to God and man made to man. God’s promises are consistently uplifting because we can be assured he will do whatever he has said he will do. God spoke a promise to Abraham and made an oath to confirm it, “that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us” (Hebrews 6:18).

God’s truth to the lonely demonstrates the reassuring fact that they will never be truly alone if they are faithful to God.

“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you’” (Hebrews 13:5).

Moses delivered powerful words to the children of Israel as Joshua took over the leadership.

“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).

Their wilderness experience proves that to be true, despite their rebellion and unfaithfulness (Nehemiah 9:16-21). David realized God was there no matter where he went (Psalm 139:7-12).

The burdened can seize upon God’s promised relief. Peter told scattered Christians, “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7). He heard the Savior’s invitation.

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).

Christians have a promised rest from labor when they die. It is powerful to note that God has also promised their works will continue, the reward for which will follow them (Revelation 14:13).

Few things in life are more debilitating than guilt. Paul understood that as well as any. He passed on a great promise.

“This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief” (1 Timothy 1:15).

Paul expressed it in vivid terms.

“O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:24-25a).

Peter explained how salvation comes to the crowd gathered around the forty year old lame man who had been healed. “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,” which is another way of saying what he told the conscience pricked crowd on Pentecost (Acts 3:19; 2:37-38). Christians still slip from time to time, but can know their sins will be cleansed if they walk in the light with the Master (1 John 1:7). Jesus will stand by the side of those relying on him (1 John 2:1-2).

There is no need to despair. God is there to help the lonely, burdened and guilty. All we have to do is submit to our loving Father in obedience to his will.

Gary Hampton, link to original article