Stars in the Darkness: The Assurance of God’s Promises
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” — Hebrews 10:23 (New International Version)
Have you ever felt both joy and frustration at the same time? For me, one source of these mixed emotions is a coffee mug. I know, of all things; how could a coffee mug cause frustration? You see the mug reads, “Yes and Amen!” This phrase references a scripture from 2 Corinthians 1:20–22 (The Message translation): “Whatever God has promised gets stamped with the Yes of Jesus. In him, this is what we preach and pray, the great Amen, God’s Yes and our Yes together, gloriously evident. God affirms us, making us a sure thing in Christ, putting his Yes within us. By his Spirit, he has stamped us with his eternal pledge — a sure beginning of what he is destined to complete.”
In these verses, Paul emphasizes that all of God’s promises are fulfilled through Christ. By affirming “Yes” in Christ, believers not only speak out about God’s promises but also glorify Him. The Scriptures highlight the assurance we have in God’s faithfulness. The sealing of the Holy Spirit serves as a guarantee of God’s ownership and the promise of eternal life. As Robert Morgan states in his book, The Promise Book: The 100 Most Important Bible Promises for Your Life: “God’s promises are not just words; they are the foundation of our faith.”¹
The exact number of God’s promises in the Bible varies depending on interpretation, with scholars estimating anywhere from 3,000 to over 8,000 promises, commonly settling on around 7,000 throughout the Old and New Testaments. Here are some well-known categories of God’s promises:
- Promises of Salvation and Eternal Life (e.g., John 3:16, Romans 10:9–10)
- Promises of God’s Presence (e.g., Joshua 1:9, Matthew 28:20)
- Promises of Provision and Protection (e.g., Philippians 4:19, Psalm 91:4–6)
- Promises of Strength and Guidance (e.g., Isaiah 40:31, Proverbs 3:5–6)
- Promises of Peace and Comfort (e.g., John 14:27, 2 Corinthians 1:3–4)
- Promises of Love and Faithfulness (e.g., Lamentations 3:22–23, Romans 8:38–39)
Each promise reflects various aspects of God’s character and intentions, offering hope, encouragement, and reassurance. They are woven throughout scripture, forming a foundation for faith and trust in God’s presence and plans.
So, why does this sometimes lead to frustration? It’s because our humanity can lead us to feel let down. This disappointment can overshadow the message, much like when I reach for my coffee cup and see its cheerful inscription. Some days, I read the message through eyes filled with faith; other days, my faith feels dimmed. Yet, the promise remains true, even when my humanity clouds my perception.
Feeling let down, especially after holding on to promises or assurances, can be deeply painful and unsettling. It’s natural to question and wrestle with what faith means when circumstances don’t align with our expectations or hopes. Does this mean we are sinning? No; it means we are in need of something greater than ourselves. Biblical figures like Moses, Sarah, Elijah, John the Baptist, and Thomas all experienced doubt, yet through God’s reassurances and responses to their uncertainties, they grew in faith and understanding — often serving as a pathway to deeper understanding. Even in the darkest of nights, God’s promises remain, and I love the way Max Lucado expresses this: “His promises are like stars; the darker the night, the brighter they shine.”²
Our human struggle often lies in interpreting God’s promises within the context of our current lives. As Dottie Peoples reminds us in her song “On Time God,”³ these promises typically lack a clear timeline and may manifest in ways that defy our expectations — “He may not come when you want Him, but He’ll be there right on time.” (This may be the churchiest thing I have ever typed.) Bills may not get paid on time, doctor’s reports may not align with our hopes, jobs may fall through, and family situations may not unfold as we envisioned. Each of us carries countless personal narratives that illustrate this reality, reminding us that waiting can be part of the journey.
This reality doesn’t make the process easier, but it’s essential to acknowledge your feelings and allow yourself the space to process them. In times of uncertainty and doubt, remember that God’s promises are steadfast, even when our circumstances feel overwhelming. It’s natural to experience a range of emotions, from joy to frustration, as we navigate our faith journeys. Embrace the assurance that you are not alone in your struggles; countless others have walked this path and found hope in God’s unwavering faithfulness. Allow yourself to be vulnerable, lean on your faith, ask the questions, and trust in the “Yes” and “Amen” of Jesus. As you do, may you find strength, comfort, and renewed hope in the promises that God has for you, knowing that He is working in ways you may not yet see.
Writing with honesty, as I hold on in faith
Jeremi
PS — I have led this song all around the world and it still rings true. May it lift your heart as it has mine thousands of times. “Faithful, You are. Faithful, forever You will be. Faithful, You are. All Your promises are “Yes and Amen.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkHo70DeiMM
- Morgan, Robert J. The Promise Book: The 100 Most Important Bible Promises for Your Life. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2009. (pg. 14)
- Lucado, Max. God’s Promises for Your Every Need. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2007. (pg. 6)
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=KG0glN2Y5K8
