Standing on the Promises is a hymn that expresses unwavering trust in God’s faithful Word. Its memorable refrain encourages believers to rely fully on God’s promises, especially during times of doubt and difficulty. With its strong message of faith and assurance, the hymn inspires courage, confidence, and steadfastness in every circumstance.
Author: Russell Kelso Carter (1849-1928)
Scripture:
For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. ~ 2 Corinthians 1:20
About the Author:
Russell Kelso Carter was a man of many talents, serving as a professor at the Pennsylvania Military Academy, where he had also been a member of the first graduating class. Throughout his life he worked in a variety of occupations, including sheep herder, educator, minister, author, editor, and physician.
While working as a sheep herder, Carter developed a serious heart condition and believed he was near death. As he prayed for healing, his faith deepened, and after experiencing recovery, he dedicated his life to serving God. His guiding principle became to “stand on God’s promises,” a theme reflected in his famous hymn “Standing on the Promises,” which was inspired by 2 Corinthians 1:20.
Carter later became a Methodist minister and wrote numerous hymnals, textbooks, and novels. In 1886, he collaborated with John Sweney to edit the hymnal “Songs of Perfect Love, in which “Standing on the Promises” first appeared. He eventually studied medicine and practiced as a physician in Baltimore until his death in 1928.
Lyrics:
1 Standing on the promises of Christ, my King!
Through eternal ages let His praises ring.
“Glory in the highest!” I will shout and sing,
standing on the promises of God.
Refrain:
Standing, standing,
standing on the promises of God, my Savior;
standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.
2 Standing on the promises that cannot fail.
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]
3 Standing on the promises of Christ, the Lord,
Bound to him eternally by love’s strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,
Standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]
4 Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
List’ning ev’ry moment to the Spirit’s call,
Resting in my Savior as my all in all,
Standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]
You can listen to the hymn here:
https://youtu.be/hPjkmM3F1kw?si=R48E1ayoAV3ESgnW
https://youtu.be/86jqPxg4O0Q?si=uwawf6nyMm5at-jc
Sources:
https://hymnary.org/text/standing_on_the_promises_of_christ_my_king
https://dianaleaghmatthews.com/standing-on-the-promises/
https://hymninfo.com/songs/standing-on-the-promises