Prayer and Promises

The Promise 

As the Scriptures say, “People are like grass; their beauty is like a flower in the field. The grass withers and the flower fades. But the word of the Lord remains forever.” And that word is the Good News that was preached to you.

— 1 Peter 1:24,25, NLT 

The Testimony 

If our minds are open to the impressions of the Spirit of God, we may learn lessons from the simple and beautiful things of nature. 

We are to see and enjoy the works of God in the beauties of nature, and in them read the love of God to man, which should ever call forth from our hearts a response of gratitude and love to our Creator... the Lord is a lover of the beautiful. The shrubs and flowers, with their varied tints, are God’s ministers...to delight the senses, and to teach to the inhabitants of earth lessons of God’s love, and care, and continual working for the happiness and benefit of his children. 

Just so has God given us the precious promises throughout his word. The Scriptures are open to us as the garden of God, and their promises are as fragrant flowers blooming all over that garden. God especially calls our attention to the very ones that are appropriate for us. In these promises we may discern the character of God, and read his love to us. They are the ground upon which our faith rests, the support and strength of our faith and hope; and through these we are to delight our souls in God, and breathe in the fragrance of heaven. 

All these promises, all these assurances in the garden of God’s word, are to us an expression of the love of God to man, and we should not regard them with carelessness or indifference; but as we would examine the precious flowers in our brother’s garden, and inhale their fragrance, delighting our senses with their loveliness and fragrance, just so we should take the promises of God, one by one, and examine them closely on every side—take in their richness, and be soothed, comforted, encouraged, and strengthened by them. God has provided for all the comforts the soul needs. They are suited to the friendless, the poverty stricken, the wealthy, the sick, the bereaved,—all may have their appropriate help if they will see and take hold upon these by faith. God scatters blessings all along our path, to brighten the rugged way of life; and we want to be receiving all the comfort and tokens of God’s love with grateful hearts. 

— The Review and Herald, October 11, 1887 

The Response 

Open the Scriptures to the precious promises throughout His word. Read of God’s love for you and rest your faith in Him.

Just as you examine the precious flowers in a garden and inhale their fragrance, take the promises, one by one, and examine them closely—and be strengthened by them.

By faith take a hold of the promises God has provided for all of the help and comfort that your soul needs.

Receive all the comfort and tokens of God’s love with a grateful heart.