Prayer and Promises

The Lord your God is in your midst, a Mighty One, who will save. He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will renew you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.

— Zephaniah 3:17, MEV 

Those who are so gloomy and desponding, gathering clouds of darkness about them, would find strength and encouragement if they would spend one hour of each day in searching the Scriptures for these precious promises, gathering and treasuring them like precious pearls. Let them dwell especially upon the mercy of God and his willingness to forgive sins. Many who have all their lives walked under a cloud, would be filled with amazement as they view the channels overflowing with mercies instead of dark clouds. 

We need greater faith in Jesus Christ. We need to bring him into our every-day life. Then we shall have peace and joy, and we shall know by experience the meaning of his words, “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.” Our faith must claim the promise that we abide in the love of Jesus. 

Let those who have been filled with doubt, only believe the words of Jesus fully, and thence forward they will rejoice in blessedness of light. Jesus said, “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” In relying upon the sure word of God, in showing confidence in him, we honor him; and he has said that if we honor him he will honor us. 

We keep the Saviour too far apart from our every-day lives. We want him abiding with us as an honored, trusted friend. We should consult him on all subjects. We should tell him every trial, and thus gain strength to meet temptation; and his peace will enter our souls, and our joy will be full, as we contemplate that this mighty Helper has said, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Let us open our hearts to receive the peace and joy of heaven; and let our lips make melody to God in praise and thanksgiving for these wonderful blessings. 

Precious opportunities and privileges are granted to us to be a light and blessing to others, strengthening their faith, and encouraging them through the heavenly sunshine in our own souls. We may gather for our own benefit precious rays of cheerful hope and peace and fullness of joy, and in so doing help every one with whom we associate. 

— The Review and Herald, September 21, 1886