promises.

“God’s promises were never meant to be thrown aside as waste paper. He intended that they should be used. Nothing pleases our Lord better than to see His promises put in circulation. He loves to see His children bring them up to Him, and say, ‘Lord, do as you promised.’ We glorify God when we please His promises. Do you think that God will be any the poorer for giving you the riches He has promised? Do you dream that He will be any less holy for giving holiness to you? Do you imagine He will be any less pure for washing you from your sins? He has said, ‘Come now, let us reason together,’ says the Lord. ‘Though your sins are red as crimson they shall be like wool.’ Faith embraces the promise of pardon. It doesn’t delay, saying, ‘This is a precious promise, I wonder if it is true?’ but goes straight to the throne with it, and pleads, ‘Lord, here is the promise. Do as you promised.’ Our Lord replies, ‘Be it to you even as you will.’ When a Christian grasps a promise but doesn’t take it to God, then God is dishonored; but when one hastens to the throne of grace, and cries, ‘Lord, I have nothing to recommend me but this, You have said it;’ then the desire shall be granted. Our heavenly banker delights to cash His own notes. Never let the promise rust. Draw the word of promise out of its scabbard, and use it with holy violence. Don’t think that God will be troubled by your importunately reminding Him of His promises. He loves to hear the loud outcries of needy souls. It is His delight to give favors. He is more ready to hear than you are to ask. It is God’s nature to keep His promises. Therefore, go at once to the throne with, ‘Do as You promised..’” {Charles Spurgeon}

This quote is from CJ Mahaney's NA message "The Troubled Soul" from Psalm 42. The entire message greatly encouraged my soul. Specifically, God keeps bringing me back to this quote. Wielding promises of God like a sword is not my strength. I believe them in a sense of "this is God's word; God speaks truth; therefore this is true and will happen someday." But I'm hesitant to take them to God and apply them to myself. It feels proud and presumptuous. The sinful human going to the Holy God of the Universe and repeating His words? It almost seems like I'm accusing God of being forgetful! {i'm sure, with the sin that resides in my heart, these attitudes are there often} But as Spurgeon shows, there is a way to claim God's promises in humility. Hebrews 4.14-16--we can approach the throne covered in the righteousness of Christ and in faith plead "do as You promised."

I'm using the promise of Philippians 1.6 with holy violence to believe He will give grace.