stephen R Harrison

Unlike humans, God keeps all His promises. Joshua 21:45 says, “Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.” While at times we may perceive God as slow, unconcerned, or even backslidden in His promises, one can be certain “for no matter how many promises God has made, they are yes in Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:20). Romans 4:21 reminds of to “be fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform.” In Ethan the Ezrahite’s only psalm (Psalm 89), he praises the Lord for His covenant promise to David (vv. 1-4), declares the power of the Lord to keep His promises (vv. 5-18), and records God’s words of promise to David (vv. 19-37). All we well until verse 38 when Ethan expressed his sorrow over David’s defeat (vv. 38-45). Ethan prayed God would remember His covenant promises as though He had somehow forgotten them (vv. 46-50). While it seems Ethan’s faith was wavering, he ends the psalm with a prayer of trust, “Praise be to the LORD forever! Amen and Amen (v. 51).

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I’ve felt like Ethan the Ezrahite. All is well while the promises are being fulfilled and everything is going well. Its at the moment when it seems God has forgotten His promises, He seems distant, and all hell is breaking loose that I begin to question God’s love and devotion. I’ve found out on more than one occasion that God never breaks His promises. He is always near. He is true to His word. If He said it, that settles it. I’m reminded of 2 Peter 3:9 many times when it seems God is slow: “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness”. When God seems distant, I think about Isaiah 59:1, “The arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear.” In the toughest of times, I’m reminded of God’s words to those facing captivity in Jeremiah 29:13-14, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you”. What reassurance we receive from the Word that God can be trusted when our limited knowledge and lack of foresight are clouded even more by our pain and emotions.

One thing we must remember about the promises of God is that some will be fulfilled in the future. Jesus promised to build us a home in heaven and return to get us one day (John 14:1-4). Sometimes God’s promises are also conditional upon obedience to Him (e.g. Genesis 2:16-17, Exodus 20:4-6; 2 Chronicles 7:14). That’s what Ethan the Ezrahite failed to remember in the moment. God was angry with the kings because they had sinned. He allowed the Babylonians to destroy the city and the temple. While this seemed to Ethan like God was going back on His promises, He was actually disciplining those He loved to draw them back to Him. That’s what a good father does (Proverbs 3:12; Hebrews 12:10). We cannot blame God when we sin and His glory departs. While they would suffer the consequences for sin, idolatry, disobedience, and rebellion, the Lord would fulfill his promises to David through Jesus. The Messiah would come through the lineage of David just as God promised. Seventeen verses in the New Testament declare Jesus as the Son of David, the Messiah that was promised through the lineage of David (e.g. Matthew 15:22, Romans 1:3). God promised David that a throne would be established forever through him and that was fulfilled in Jesus (2 Samuel 7:12-16). When it seems God’s promises aren’t coming to pass, we must trust Him, wait on Him, draw close to Him. He will never disappoint. He will keep all His promises.

Questions:

1. What promises in God’s Word are you doubting?
2. Has your sin caused God to withhold His promise or discipline you?
3. Can you trust God when you cannot see the promise being fulfilled in the moment?

Prayer:
Lord, help me to trust You at all times, especially when I cannot see You at work. I know You are faithful and keep all of Your promises. You have never let me down. Your plan is perfect. When I doubt, help me to recall Your character and faithfulness displayed through Your Word and in my life. I choose to trust in Your promises. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.