Standing on the Promises

For many years, author and composer Russell Kelso Carter struggled with extreme fatigue because of heart problems. Medical doctors in the 1870s were unable to offer him solutions. Finally, in desperation, Carter turned to faith and prayer. When he returned to health, he credited his remarkable healing to God’s power. Throughout the rest of his life, Carter found strength by focusing on the Savior’s promises to love and care for us.

The words of Carter’s hymn draw our minds to the Savior and His promises. To “stand” on the promises of Christ can mean to be fixed upon, to stay true to, and to rely on those promises, no matter what challenges we face. This hymn calls us to trust that Jesus Christ, as our Leader and Master, will guide us to safety as we stand with Him and follow His lead.

Carter wrote “Standing on the Promises” while teaching at a military academy, and the cadence and energy of the music inspire feelings of strength, courage, and confidence.

Find lyrics, sheet music, and recordings for Standing on the Promises

Scriptures

Principles

We can trust in the promises God makes with His covenant people.
When we build our life on Jesus Christ and learn His teachings, we can face challenges with confidence.
When we keep sacred covenants, we are bound to Jesus Christ through His love.

Questions to Ponder

What does God ask you to do to receive His promised blessings?
What do you know about God that allows you to trust in His promises?
How can listening to the Spirit increase your trust in God’s promises?

Related Gospel Study Guides

From Topics and Questions, Gospel Library:

Activities for Families

Act out standing on the promises of God. Help your children understand that relying on God’s promises, like standing on a solid foundation, makes us strong. Explain that God gives us promises through His prophets and that when we build our lives on Jesus Christ, we can stay strong even when hard things happen. Write “God’s promises” on a piece of paper, and place it on the floor. Invite family members to name some promises from God, and add them to the paper. While playing the hymn in the background, let your children take turns standing on the paper and avoiding falling over while the others gently toss soft objects like pillows at them.
Learn about verses and choruses. A hymn usually has two parts: the verses, each of which tells a story or teaches a truth, and the chorus, which shares the main message of the hymn. This hymn has four verses, each followed by the chorus. Look at the music together as a family, and point out where the verses and chorus are. Talk about what each verse teaches. Since the chorus is repeated after every verse, it’s the easiest part to learn. Start by practicing and singing the chorus, even if the verses take longer to learn. Children can always join in singing the chorus at home and at church.