Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises…II Peter 1:4

God and His Word are true, faithful and powerful. And there are numerous scriptures that I absolutely love. Reading through some of them recently, I noticed a pattern.

Many of God’s promises involve us making the first move. He then promises to do something in return.

Let’s look at a few of these precious promises:

Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Psalm 37:4

If we delight in the Lord – love Him with all of our heart, pray, serve or help others, read His Word, worship Him, etc. – then suddenly His desires become our desires and He gives them to us. Absolutely wonderful!

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. Jeremiah 33:3

This was one of the first scriptures given to me when I became a Christian. I was hungry to learn about the wonderful Savior Jesus Christ, and reading this scripture lead me to pray this scripture often.

We call, He answers!

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33

A close friend encouraged me with Matthew 6:33 when I was discussing a prayer request I had. Seeking God first was not the answer I was expecting but definitely the answer I needed.

Obeying this scripture helps with many decisions and has the promise of blessing attached to it. When seeking God’s will and His way, the outcome is always positive.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)

I must admit, this scripture is occasionally a bit tougher for me to apply. I sometimes worry first and pray later and I have to constantly remind myself to worry about nothing, but to pray about everything.

And once I’ve prayed, God does exactly what He said He’d do – He gives me the peace that goes beyond my understanding.

There’s a popular saying, “God helps those who help themselves.” I know it isn’t biblical, but many scriptures encourage us to make the first move in order for God to make His.

Go ahead, make the first move!