Fighting for Peace with the Promises of God

– September 25, 2023

In yesterday’s sermon, we saw from Isaiah 54 several promises of God that he gives to “storm-tossed, afflicted, and not comforted” people. Rooted in God’s character, based in God’s covenant, and made possible by God’s Christ, these promises were given by God to his weary people in order that they may know peace in the midst of difficult circumstances.

God’s promises were meant to bring God’s peace, and as God’s people, we need to know God’s promises so that we can use them to find peace in an anxious world.

Our challenge for the end of 2023 is to arm ourselves with God’s promises by memorizing and meditating on one promise per week through the end of this year. There are 14 weeks left in 2023, and below are 12 promises to memorize. (I misspoke yesterday when I said there were thirteen weeks!) We’ll have two off weeks built in, just in case you have a hectic week along the way, or if you want to spend longer on one or two promises.

For me, I like to write the verse on an index card that keep folded in my pocket. I use that card to work on memorizing the verse in the morning, and then I take it with me as I go throughout the week. If you prefer, there are also Scripture memory apps available for your smartphone as well. Whatever method you use, let’s take these next 14 weeks, and memorize and meditate on these promises, asking God to use them to give us peace, comfort, and strength as we follow him together.

Isaiah 54:10
For the mountains may depart
and the hills be removed,
but my steadfast love shall not depart from you,
and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,”
says the LORD, who has compassion on you.

Deuteronomy 31:8
It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

Psalm 86:15
But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.

Psalm 103:11–12
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west,
so far does he remove our transgressions from us.

Matthew 11:28–29
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

John 16:33
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Romans 8:28
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:32
He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?

2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Philippians 4:6–7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 4:16
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Bert Watts has served since December 2016 as the Senior Pastor at Mountain Creek Baptist Church, where he has been on staff since 2012.