For most of us, not all promises have turned out the way we've planned. Perhaps it wasn't "earth shattering" when we didn't make the call we were supposed to, or when we didn't write that letter or make that lunch date.

Life goes on, and circumstances like these don't seem to matter all that much. Those aren't life changing promises.

Then there are the promises that are life changing. The ones when, if broken, can leave someone scarred for life. Marriage vows for example. Each party vowed "for better or worse", but when the worse came along, one of the two broke the promise to the other.

Even when a child is promised that the doctor's needle “won't hurt”. When it does hurt, the relationship between child and adult is undermined. The child knows they've been lied to and begins to understand that next time they might not believe what that adult says.

Many heartaches begin with a broken promise. They burden us and we get weary with our life.

In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus exclaims “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.” (NIV)

He promises to meet all our needs. “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19 NIV)

He promises to comfort us. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

With God a promise given is a promise kept.

“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV)

We can't compare God to a faithless spouse, a lying parent, or a deceitful salesperson. God’s history is without fault. No one can ever say, “Well, here God made a promise but didn't keep it.”

What promise of God do you need fulfilled in your life? Have you tested the faithfulness of His promises?

“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)

The Bible has promises suitable to your difficult situation. Search for the precious promises each day by spending time reading your Bible. You won't regret it.