God's Promise

Dimly glowing down the ages,
Always, somewhere, there has been
Through prophetic Holy Pages,
A faint glimmer that was seen
Of a veiled and Hidden Promise
That our God had given to men,
To bring them great deliverance
Showing His great love again.

Sometimes bright illumination
By God's Holy Spirit shone,
Bringing new Hope of Salvation,
Giving strength to carry on;
But other times the darkness
O'er God's people heavy laid
And they lost sight completely
Of the Promise God had made.

Promises involve commitment
And the One Who gave His word
Is a God Who never changes,
Our dependable, great Lord.
A Promise can fill hearts with hope,
With looking and with longing;
Fulfilment satisfaction brings,
Assurance of belonging.

A Promise is reciprocal,
For a person must believe
The word of He Who promises,
Its benefits to receive.
No matter how sincerely
A commitment has been made,
It is completely futile
Unless faith is displayed.

God promised us a Counsellor,
A Mighty Prince of Peace;
A Fountain of forgiveness,
And Mercy that will not cease;
A King, a Friend, a Saviour;
And a Comforter Divine;
A strong, yet gentle Shepherd –
These can be yours and mine!

So, graciously, in Bethlehem,
God's Promise was made good,
When Jesus came to dwell with men
And prove God's Fatherhood.
The ultimate fulfilment
Of the word that had been given;
In God's time He descended
To show men the way to Heaven.

Yet there still are many people
Wandering alone and lost,
Not knowing or not caring
What God gave at such a cost.
The precious Gift so freely given
Is slighted or ignored,
Left to languish in the Manger
Instead of crowned as King and Lord!

So search the Holy Scriptures;
For His Promises now seek.
Learn all that He can offer
For the burdened and the weak.
Discover all the answers
To questions that you face,
Believe them and accept them,
Trusting in His Matchless Grace.

Then, claim His precious Promises,
For they are always true.
Jesus came to bring salvation
And He gave His life for you.
So accept the Gifts He offers
And the joyful tidings share,
Till our Heavenly Father's Promise
Is acknowledged everywhere.

Honoria A. Groves

1983