I grew up with the familiar hymn, Standing On The Promises. Many congregants joyfully belted out the lyrics to the upbeat melody written by Russell Kelso Carter. With strong assurance, they sang proclaiming the promises of God. As a child, in our church, it was one of the few hymns that had the congregation tapping toes, visibly rejoicing along with the choir.
LYRICS WRITTEN FROM A PLACE OF ILLNESS
Recently, as the melody played through my mind, I decided to look up the lyrics to refresh my memory on some of the verses. The writer, Mr. Carter, contracted malaria in 1888. It left him chronically weak for much of the remainder of his life. During his illness Carter wrote this hymn that captures the fundamentals of the Gospel. His words take us through verses of praise and trust. Reminders of our spiritual cleansing and God’s bountiful love.
STAND! STAND! STAND! STAND!
I realized this song parallels Ephesians 6:10-14. Paul tells us to stand four different times. How perfectly that aligns to Standing On The Promises. The Gospel song includes a verse on “overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword.” In Ephesians, Paul tells us to “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Was the author thinking of Paul’s Epistle while penning the song?
Carter’s personal testimony to God’s love not only encourages but also challenges. Can we honestly say we stand on His promises through all of life’s trails? Do we truly believe we are free in Christ? My experience is a resounding Yes!
NOTHING CAN SEPARATE US
Oh, there are times when my faith wavers. But Jesus, in his loving mercy pulls me back up. As Paul eloquently states in Romans 8:38-39; “Nothing in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.”
How are you standing today, firm or shaky? Either way, be blessed by the lyrics to this song and let your confidence grow bold in our Savior, our King, and our Redeemer. Stand firmly on His promises. Tap you toes and visibly rejoice with the heavenly choir.
LYRICS THAT STAND THE TEST OF TIME
Standing on the Promises of Christ My King! Though eternal ages let His praises ring. “Glory in the highest!” I will shout and sing, standing on the promises of God.
Standing on the promises that cannot fail! When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail, by the living Word of God I shall prevail, standing on the promises of God.
Standing on the promises, I now can see perfect, present cleansing in the blood for me; standing in the liberty where Christ makes free, standing on the promises of God.
Standing on the promises of Christ, the Lord, bound to Him eternally by love’s strong cord, overcoming daily with the Spirit’s Sword, standing on the promises of God.
Standing on the promises I cannot fall, listening every moment to the Spirit’s call, resting in my Savior as my all in all, standing on the promises of God.
Refrain: Standing, standing, standing on the promises of God, my Savior, standing, standing, I’m standing on the promises of God.