Prayinggod’s Promises

Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. My comfort in my suffering is this:
Your promise preserves my life.

Psalm 119:49–50

Pause

Gene and I faced a family relationship crisis that hurt deeply. There was so much we didn’t understand. We felt like we were looking at a jigsaw puzzle with half the pieces missing. I cried, we prayed, and then we prayed some more. We reminded God of his own words: “You said you give wisdom to those who ask. We’re asking, so please give it to us. You said you’re close to the brokenhearted, so please come near to us.”

We were cautious not to take God’s promises out of context. Neither did we consider praying them like one might rub a magic genie lamp—remind God of his promises and presto! Rather, we saw his word as his bond to us; therefore, we could hold him to it.

We reminded God of his promises, and he reminded us of his love for us. He didn’t answer with immediate reconciliation, but he comforted us and gave us patience in the wait.

Ponder

Which of God’s promises can you pray today?

Pray

Lord, thank you for your promise to hear my cries. I know you’re listening.