ASSURANCE
Standing on the Promises

The hymn, “Standing on the Promises” was written by Russell Kelso Carter (b. Nov. 18, 1849; d. Aug. 23, 1926). Carter wrote prolifically in the subjects of mathematics, religion and science, published novels and hymnals. He wrote both the music and the words to this exciting hymn of grace and assurance. The first publication of this hymn was in Carter and John L. Sweney’s, Songs of Perfect Love (1886, No,120).

The original text of the hymn included five stanzas. The first time the hymn was included in a Southern Baptist collection was in the 1918 collection, The Popular Hymnal (No. 203) published by Robert Coleman. The tune was named PROMISES in the 1956 edition of the Baptist Hymnal.

“Standing on the Promises” echoes multiple scripture passages:

2 Corinthians 1:20 – “For all the promises of God find their YES in Him. That is why it is through Him that we utter our Amen to God for His glory.” (ESV)

2 Peter 1:4- “by which He has granted to us His precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. (ESV)

God’s promises are timeless. They are not just for the trials we endure, but they are for the times of blessing too. His promises carry us through every circumstance we experience. They are given to us so that we may be assured of an abundant life. As you study God’s Word, get a notebook and write down every promise you read. You will be amazed at how quickly you will fill-up that notebook. If you happen to have a hymnal at home, look through it and read the verses to each hymn. You will find many hymns are written about God’s promises. See how many you can identify. I hope that every day you will be reminded of God’s promises. Be encouraged! God still fights your battles and never forsakes you.

Joshua 21:45 “Not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass.” (ESV)

1. Standing on the promises of Christ my King,
Thru eternal ages let His raises ring;
Glory in the highest I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.

2. Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God.

3. Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,
Bound to Him eternally by love’s strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,
Standing on the promises of God.

4. Standing on the promises I now can see,
Perfect, present cleansing in the blood for me;
Standing in the liberty where Christ makes free,
Standing on the promises of God.

5. Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
List’ning ev’ry moment to the Spirit’s call,
Resting in my Savior as my all in all,
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing, standing, standing on the promises of God my Savior.
Standing, standing, I’m standing on the promises of God.

Meditate on God’s Word:

Psalm 34:18;  Psalm 55:22; 1 Kings 8:20;  Hebrews 4:1 & 10:23;  1 John 2:25; Romans 4:21;  Galatians 3:14;  Deuteronomy 15:6