The Promises of God

The Bible is God’s Word to us today. As such, when we come to the Bible, we often come looking for a word of inspiration or divine direction to help us move forward in life. But where are God’s promises to us located in the Bible? And how do we apply his timeless promises to our lives today?

God’s Promises from the Bible

The following list of promises has been crafted as a “felt need” listing of passages designed to help you target the promises of God to your life today. As you review the list below, think not only about yourself and your own needs, but also think about others you know who could use the same kind of insight from God.

The God of the Bible is the same God who watches over all of us today. He deeply cares about even the smallest details of our lives, as evidenced by his words to us through Isaiah the prophet: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).

That’s the kind of promise that you can depend on; the kind of promise that you can build your life around. May God bless you as you seek out the truths of his promises and apply those to your own life.

God’s promises when you’re feeling …

Feel Guilty

Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. – Hebrews 10:22-23

Also see 2 Samuel 14:14; Psalm 130:3–4; Romans 8:1–2; 1 Corinthians 6:11; Ephesians 3:12

Feel Dejected 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30

Also see Psalm 130:7; Isaiah 65:24; Romans 8:26–27; Hebrews 4:16; James 4:8, 10

Feel Despair

Sustain me, my God, according to your promise, and I will live;
do not let my hopes be dashed. – Psalm 119:116

Also see Isaiah 57:15; Jeremiah 32:17; Hebrews 10:35

Are Disappointed

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. – Ephesians 3:20-21

Also see Psalm 22:4–5; Isaiah 49:23; Matthew 19:25–26; Mark 9:21–24; John 15:7

Are Depressed

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. – Psalm 34:18 

Also see Deuteronomy 31:8; Isaiah 49:13–15; 

Are Persecuted

Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” – 1 Peter 3:13-14

Also see Genesis 50:20; Psalm 37:1–2; Matthew 5:10–12; 2 Corinthians 4:8–12; 2 Timothy 1:11–12

Are Anxious

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7

Also see Psalm 55:22; Isaiah 41:13; Matthew 6:25; Matthew 11:28–29; 1 Peter 5:7

Are Filled with Longing

Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. – Psalm 37:4

Also see Psalm 84:11; Psalm 103:5; Luke 12:29–31

Are Sick

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. – Psalm 73:26

Also see Psalm 23:4; Isaiah 57:18; Matthew 8:16–17; John 16:33; Romans 8:37–39; James 5:14–15 

Are Impatient

I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.  Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. – Psalm 27:13-14

Also see Psalm 37:7, 9; Romans 2:7; 1 Timothy 1:16; Hebrews 6:12; 2 Peter 3:9

Are Confused

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. – James 1:5

Also see Psalm 32:8; Isaiah 42:16; John 8:12; John 14:27; 1 Corinthians 2:15–16

Are Tempted

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. – 1 Corinthains 10:13

Also see Job 23:10–11; Hebrews 2:18; Hebrews 4:15–16; James 1:2–4, 13–14; 1 Peter 5:8–10

Are Weak

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. – 2 Corinthains 12:9-10

Also see Psalm 72:13; Isaiah 41:10; Romans 8:26; 1 Corinthians 1:7–9; 2 Corinthians 4:7–9

Are Afraid

So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” – Hebrews 13:6

Also see Psalm 4:8; Psalm 23:4; Isaiah 35:4; Romans 8:37–39; 2 Corinthians 1:10; 2 Timothy 1:7

Obey

Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.” – John 14:21

Also see Exodus 14:23; Matthew 16:27; John 8:31–32; 23; James 1:25

Are In Need

The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame.You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. – Isaiah 58:11 

Also see John 6:35; 2 Corinthians 9:10–11; Ephesians 3:20–21; Philippians 4:19

Grieve

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. – Matthew 5:4

Also see Psalm 119:50, 76–77; Jeremiah 31:13; John 16:20–22; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–14; Revelation 21:3–4

Suffer

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

Also see Psalm 34:19; Nahum 1:7; Romans 8:16–17; 1 Peter 2:20–21; 1 Peter 4:12–13

Fail

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9 

Also see Romans 3:23–24; Romans 5:8; Hebrews 10:36; 1 John 1:8–9

Doubt

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” – John 11:25-26

Also see Psalm 34:22; John 3:18; Romans 4:5; 1 John 4:15–16

Find an NIV Bible that’s right for you! There’s an NIV Bible for every age and need – Bibles for study, devotions, journaling, classic reference, large print, youth, and more. Find yours today!