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“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ.” (2 Cor 1:20)

People tend to view God through a similar lens with which they view themselves. If they are perfectionistic, they view God as demanding and unbending. If they are fearful, they view God as One to be feared. In my case, I am controlled, intentional, and steady. I rarely say a word that I have not thoroughly thought through. I, therefore, see God through my lens as One who is logical, unemotional, reliable, and predictable.

The verse today helps me break out of the limiting box that clouds my view of God. Boldly, it asserts that God makes many promises and then affirms those with an emphatic “Yes.” When it comes to His promises, He does not hedge His bets with talk of gray areas and balance. His promises are an all-in Yes! They are Yes with passion and emotion, with conviction and resolve, with enthusiasm and a gleam in His eye.

He promises:

  • “Nothing can separate you from the love of Christ.” (Rom 8:39)
  • “I will be with you always.” (Matt 28:19)
  • “If we confess our sins … He will forgive us our sins.” (1 John 1:9)
  • “I have come that you might have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)
  • “Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matt 11:28)
  • “I love you with an everlasting love.” (Jer 31:3)
  • “All things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purposes.” (Rom 8:28)
  • “I go to prepare a place for you,… and I will bring you to myself.” (John 14: 2-3)

I set my sights too low. These promises are strong and confident. They are bold and life-changing if we will open up and hear the powerful “Yes” with which He adds His exclamation point. There are so many more breath-taking affirmations that Jesus affirms with “Yes!” “I delight in you.” “You are my masterpiece.” “I am on your side.” 

In the movie, Good Will Hunting, there is a scene between Robin Williams and Matt Damon, his young, guilt-stricken client. Robin Williams tells Damon, “It’s not your fault.” Damon half-heartedly acknowledges his comment. Williams repeats, “It’s not your fault.” Again, Damon nods. “It’s not your fault,” a third, fourth, and fifth time until eventually Damon breaks down with the truth that he so desperately needs to hear.

We need to hear God’s promises in this way. Repeated, as if Jesus is looking us in the eye and speaking the words directly to our heart, seeking to crack through our insecurities and brokenness.

What promise do you need to hear with Jesus adding His heartfelt “Yes”? Write it down. Bathe in that promise for you. Memorize it and let it sink deep into your innermost being. Let it become your identity and your hope. And when doubts arise, as they will, see Jesus look you in the eye and say again and again, “Yes.”

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