“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word.” – Luke 2:29

Most people make crazy goals to accomplish before they die. Some are doable, like getting your dream job, raising a family, or owning a business. Others are not as likely to happen, like walking on the moon, becoming president, or winning the Olympics. While all of these goals are great, they are not guaranteed to be accomplished in our lifetime.

Simeon did not go about his life with just some goals he hoped to obtain before he died. He had a promise. God promised him that he would not die before seeing the Messiah. This was not just any promise; this was a promise from God Himself. As soon as God’s promise was proven true, Simeon felt peace. He now felt that he could die knowing how faithful his God is.

God promises us salvation, protection, forgiveness, presence, hope, eternal life, and so much more. Like Simeon, it is easy for us to be filled with doubt until these promises are proven true, even though God has proven His faithfulness time and time again.

We often doubt God’s promises or His faithfulness. We tend to have the mindset of: “I will not feel peace until I am physically in heaven.” Or, “I am not convinced that God will always be with me or fight for me until I see my depression go away.” The human tendency is to base our trust in God’s promises on the proof in front of us. But the amazing thing is, there is proof of His faithfulness all around. The earth, our lives, His miracles, and Jesus’ life all point back to God’s promises that never fail. Even when you are lying there hoping God’s faithfulness and salvation covers you too, or when you are going through every day hoping He really is there with you, fighting the mental battles no one sees. Trust in God. The One who promises you His love and salvation through Jesus. Because God never breaks His promises.

Prayer: Come, Lord Jesus, quickly. We are waiting, and not one of us will be disappointed. Lord, today and every day, show me your faithfulness and remind me of the promises you have made for me. Help me to have strength like Simeon to know and believe that You will fulfill them.

Daily Reading: Matthew 15

– Contributed by Betsy Petersen