Trust God to Keep His Promises

by Rick Warren — January 8, 2022
From Transformed

“I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread."

Job 23:12 (NIV)

Do you know that admitting your hopelessness to God can be a statement of faith? Trusting God but feeling despair at the same time, David wrote, “I believed, so I said, ‘I am completely ruined’” (Psalm 116:10 NCV).

This sounds like a contradiction: I trust God, but I’m wiped out! David’s frankness actually reveals deep faith. First, he believed in God. Second, he believed God would listen to his prayer. Third, he believed God would let him say what he felt and still love him.

Regardless of your circumstances and how you feel, hang on to God’s unchanging character. Remind yourself of what you know to be eternally true about God: He is good, he loves you, he is with you, he knows what you’re going through, he cares, and he has a good plan for your life. The late Raymond Edman, who was president of Wheaton College, once said, “Never doubt in the dark what God told you in the light.”

When Job’s life fell apart and God was silent, Job still found reasons to praise God. You can praise God for these same reasons:

  • He is good and loving. (Job 10:12)
  • He is all-powerful. (Job 42:2; 37:5, 23)
  • He notices every detail of your life. (Job 23:10; 31:4)
  • He is in control. (Job 34:13)
  • He has a plan for your life. (Job 23:14)
  • He will save you. (Job 19:25)

During times of spiritual dryness, patiently rely on the promises of God, not your emotions. And realize that he is taking you to a deeper level of maturity, because a friendship based on emotion is shallow.

So don’t be troubled by trouble. Circumstances cannot change the character of God. God’s grace is still in full force; he is still for you, even when you don’t feel it. In the absence of confirming circumstances, Job held on to God’s Word. He said, “I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread” (Job 23:12 NIV).

This trust in God’s Word caused Job to remain faithful even though nothing in his life made sense. His faith remained strong in the middle of pain, and God honored and restored Job because of it.

Talk It Over

  • When have you chosen to trust God, even when your feelings or circumstances told you not to? What was that experience like?
  • Look at the list in today’s devotional reasons Job chose to trust God. Which of those reasons do you need to cling to today? Why?
  • Whether you’re in a time of spiritual drought or abundance, make a list of all the things you know to be true about God. Keep it where you can refer to it and add to it often.

Have you trusted God’s promise of salvation through Jesus Christ?

If you’re ready to commit your life to Jesus, then pray this prayer:

“Dear Jesus, you have promised that if I believe in you, everything I’ve ever done wrong will be forgiven, I will learn the purpose of my life, and you will accept me into your eternal home in heaven one day.

“I confess my sin, and I receive you into my life as my Lord and Savior. You have promised that if I confess my sin and trust you, I will be saved. I trust you when you say salvation comes by grace, through faith, and not by anything I do. Today I’m turning over every part of my life to your management.

“I’m grateful for your unconditional love. I want to use the rest of my life to love and serve you instead of serving myself. I commit my life to you and ask you to save me and accept me into your family. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”

If you just prayed to accept Jesus, please email me at [email protected] and let me know. I’d like to send you some free materials to help you start your journey with Jesus.


Give hope, prayer, and encouragement below. Post a comment & talk about it.