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When I was growing up, one of my favorite songs (hymns) was “Standing on the Promises of God”. I remember singing it as a kid and loving the chorus – “Standing… Standing … Standing on the Promises of God my Savior,” my grandfather singing in his quiet bass voice (hitting most of the notes) with my grandmother in her strong, steady voice beside him. I felt their sincere faith coming through their voices; they believed what they were singing, and they truly did stand on the promises of God in life. 

There doesn’t appear to be a consensus number of promises found in the Bible – anywhere from 3,000 – 30,000 depending on the source you use. Doesn’t matter – what does matter is what you do with them. 

For fun and for my own growth and encouragement, I decided to make a list of my top 5 verses I go to when I need them. It wasn’t easy to keep the list that short, but it helped me to focus on the ones I really hold onto and look to as I follow Jesus through life. 

Here’s my list below. 

5. Exodus 14:14 - The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still. This is a promise God made to the Israelites through Moses as they were facing the army of Egypt. It is a favorite because it reminds me that while I must be ready and do what He has directed me to do, ultimately the “battle belongs to the Lord.” He fights the battles; He gets the glory. 

4. Deuteronomy 31:8 - The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. This one speaks to the daily journey I walk with Jesus. He goes before me and will always be with me. Always. I am never alone. He is always there. No reason to doubt, be discouraged or afraid. 

3. Psalm 32:8 (NLT) - The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Hiking is one of my favorite hobbies, and I have some favorite paths, but this verse reminds me that there is a best pathway for my life and God will guide me along it with advice and direction while watching over me. This is a great verse to remind me to not pay attention to circumstances as much as I do and focus more on His guidance. 

2. Philippians 1:6 - being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Over the years, I sometimes wonder if I am making any headway at all in becoming more like Jesus, but this verse reminds me that God is the one at work inside me and will bring me to the place of maturity I need to be. It is up to Him, and He is faithful. 

1. Philippians 4:19 - And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. This verse speaks to me in so many ways – that He will provide all I need and reminds me of a statement I heard a long time ago, “Where God guides, He provides.” It has gotten me through a lot of lean financial times, but more than finances, it reminds me that He provides all that I need – advice, peace, guidance, joy, comfort, strength, resilience, hope, second chances, forgiveness, grace, companionship - you name it. If you truly need it; God will supply it. 

That’s my list. My top 5 promises, my go-to’s …  but wait, there’s more. 

Here’s my life verse which happens to also be a promise.

Proverbs 3:5, 6 - Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. This is my go-to verse for everything. It reminds me to trust Him at all times and know that if I do, He will straighten my path, and I do need that. Great verse no matter the circumstances. This became my life verse in high school and has never left me wanting. 

Double bonus promise: This wouldn’t be complete without the promise the students at the Inspiring Hope Learning Center learn each year – Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Great verse – great promise that God does have a plan for us, and it is good and filled with hope. Don’t ever doubt it; live it. 

May you stand strong today on the promises of God and may your paths be made straight. 

PS – Would love to learn your favorite promises. Reply back and let us know what they are.