by Paul David Tripp
Feeling troubled, inadequate, weak, defeated, overwhelmed, alienated, or alone? Here are six gospel promises to embrace today:
1. The Gospel Promises Forgiveness Today
Many of us carry around our sin in a metaphorical backpack of regret, bruising our spiritual shoulders and breaking the back of our faith. Jesus took the weight of our sin on himself so that we wouldn’t have to carry it any longer. He says that he will remember our sins no more but will separate us from those sins as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12).
What freedom is found here! We don’t have to live imprisoned by fear, paralyzed by regret, or trapped in the darkness of guilt and shame when Christ offers complete forgiveness.
2. The Gospel Promises Deliverance Today
Christ came not only to forgive our sins, but to deliver us from them. On the Cross, he broke the power of sin’s mastery over us (see Romans 6:1–14). Because the Holy Spirit lives inside you, you have the ability today to say “no” to sin and “yes” to righteousness. The same power that raised Christ from the dead is living within you (Ephesians 1:19-20).
3. The Gospel Promises Restoration Today
It’s tempting to look back on our lives with regret, wishing we could rewind time. The timing of the Restorer is always perfect; the years haven’t been wasted. In his sovereign love, God has been bringing us to this point of insight and conviction at just the right moment, and he promises to restore what has been lost in the process so that we will not be put to shame (see Joel 2:25-27).
4. The Gospel Promises Reconciliation Today
At the heart of the gospel narrative is the coming of the Prince of Peace. In him, we find reconciliation not only with God, but with one another. He’s the only One who can destroy the walls that separate people (Ephesians 2:14–18).
Malachi 4:6 says, “He will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers.” Jesus asked the Father that the church would be a community of unity and love (John 17:20–23). Today, the gospel promises hope where your relationships have been damaged or even destroyed.
5. The Gospel Promises Wisdom Today
James says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5). We may be blind, but we are promised sight because “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” are hidden in Christ (Colossians 2:3). The invitation is simple: “Come, ask, and I will give!”
6. The Gospel Promises Mercy Today
Jesus was tempted as we are in every point, so he understands and sympathizes with our weaknesses. We can come to him and find mercy and grace to help us in our time of need (Hebrews 4:14–16).
In the hardest of situations or the most trying of relationships, we never stand alone. We are in Christ, and in him, we can do what would otherwise be impossible.
Remind yourself of these six daily gospel promises as you look forward to the gospel promise of eternity!
God bless,
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
How can you embrace each of these six gospel promises this week? Be specific in your application:
1. Forgiveness. What regrets are you holding onto that Christ has forgiven? How are these potentially crushing and restricting your faith?
2. Deliverance. What sins are you struggling with most today? Have you fallen into believing that you cannot break free? What steps can you take to experience deliverance?
3. Restoration. What has God recently revealed to you (at just the right time) that needs to be restored in your life? What steps can you take towards restoration?
4. Reconciliation. With whom do you need to reconcile? What selfish motives, desires, words, and actions do you need to confess before reconciliation can happen?
5. Wisdom. Where are you feeling unable? Have you asked God for wisdom for that area where you are experiencing weakness and fear?
6. Mercy. How did Christ experience what you are struggling with? Think of examples from his earthly life and ministry. How should this comfort and strengthen you?