" A promise is only as good as the character of the person who made it." Kathy Spampinato

A promise is a declaration that something will be done or given. It is an assurance that something will happen and includes an expectation you can rely on. A promise implies a commitment, or vow to fulfill. It implies an agreement or pledge between the two parties. Yet, a promise is only as good as the character of the person who made it. Who has not been disappointed because someone they trust went back on their word? People swear their faithfulness and then demonstrate their real intentions. Will they prove themselves trustworthy? They could truly intend to come through on their promise, but later discover that they are really unwilling or unable to do it. They could also flippantly make the promise with no intention to complete it. What are we left to do? Who can we really trust?

Dr. Henry Cloud states that the best indicator of what a person will do, is what they have already done in the past. Their true character will show in the patterns of their behavior. Still we do not want to close off our heart to others. We guard the hope that they will come through, and then turn our hurts to the Lord for healing. I would like to take this discussion to what the Bible says about the topic, as is my habit. We will gain godly insight into peoples motives, intentions, and practices and will also see what God promises to us. His truth is something we really can rely on.

Lamentations 3:22-23 "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

2 Corinthians 1:20-22 ESV "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. And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee."

These scriptures share that God's promises are always fulfilled and His mercies are always new and available to us. Not only that, but He has given us his Holy Spirit as a guarantee of his faithfulness. Here are some of the promises of God, that we can trust in.

• He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.

• They who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; Isaiah 40:28-31

• I have chosen you and not cast you off; fear not, for I am your God;

• I will strengthen you, I will help you. Isaiah 41:9-10

• Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

• Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. Ps 37:4

• You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13

• Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

Because God is faithful and He cannot lie, we can have complete reliance on Him and know that His promises will come to pass.

2 Peter 1:3-4 "His divine power has granted us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 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."

2 Corinthians 7:1 "Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God."

As we look at the world we live in, we may not have much confidence in the promises of government, society, or people. However, we can have great confidence that God is working in and through us. It is through Him that we can escape the corruption in the world. Let's pursue the great hope and great confidence that comes with a living faith in God.

1 John 4:4 "Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater that he who is in the world."