Standing on the Promises

What does it mean to stand on God's promises? There is a famous song that I'm sure you've heard - Standing on the Promises of God.  This morning I read a short biography about Russel Kelso Carter, who wrote the song.  His journey in faith was very interesting. Can it be that standing on the promises means that we can be less afraid?  That we can find joy in the day, and worry less about the future, because the future is in God's hands?

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.

What does it mean to stand on the promises of God?  Our devotional in our office meeting yesterday was centered around a quote from one of John Wesley's sermons (sermon #26; hattip to Jeff Taylor and Bill Wilson):

". . .when we pray 'Give us this day our daily bread', we are to take no thought for the morrow. For this very end has our wise Creator divided life into these little portions of time, so clearly separated from each other, that we might look on every day as a fresh gift of God, another life, which we may devote to his glory; and that every evening may be as the close of life, beyond which we are to see nothing but eternity". 

Maybe standing on the promises means that we can worry less about tomorrow, for we have the wonderful gift of today.  Tomorrow is eternity.

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.

Think about the father who lifts up his child and places her on his shoulders.  From that vantage point, she can see so much farther.  She can see long distances and so much more of the big picture.  Can this be part of what it means to stand on God's promises?  Through God, we can place today in better perspective.  Through God we have clearer vision. We know our sins are forgiven, that Christ died for us - for you and for me.  That we are free.

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