By GRAEME DAWSON
Promises, promises is all we seem to have had for the last few months from both sides of the political spectrum.
Money thrown from a seemingly bottomless bucket that in other times can’t be found – they don’t even seem to be able to find the ‘bucket’ after the election, let alone the money.
I don’t know about you but I’m over it and these promises seem to float over my head like clouds.
I’m trying not to be cynical but the more promises that are thrown around, the more chance we have of getting broken ones.
I wonder what other areas of our lives we have become cynical in because of promises that have been made to us that have been broken.
I encounter many people who have lost what was promised to them in relationships and jobs etc., and have become disillusioned.
Some of these are left feeling lonely, helpless and hope-less, with no desire to risk trusting new promises in the future.
Sadly this stance can mean they may miss out on the genuine people who keep their promises.
From my perspective and life experience, there is only one in whom ultimate trust can be placed – God. Now I know that this three letter name will bring all kinds of responses from you.
Again, cynicism – if you think that He has let you down, comfort – if you have experienced His love and closeness before, distrust – if you transfer your human distrust to Him or just an ear blocking, “I don’t want to know about it”.
Whatever you do and whatever your position, nothing changes the unchangeable God – ever tried to stop the wind or defy gravity?
C.S. Lewis said of believing and placing our trust in God – effectively growing out of our fears and prejudices.
“It may be hard for an egg to turn into a bird: it would be a jolly sight harder for a bird to learn to fly while remaining an egg.
“We are like eggs at present. And you cannot go on indefinitely being just an ordinary, decent egg.
“We must be hatched or go bad.”
There is an old hymn that expresses the confidence in the rock solid promises of God – Standing on the Promises by R Kelso Carter – just one verse.
“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.”
You’re Still Standing Elton John, yet you like me will fall from the tree one day, but His promises will ‘still be standing’.
– Graeme Dawson is a co-ordinator for Focal Point and A Few Good Men
