Feeling downcast and troubled? Come and glean today in the wide field of God's promises. There are countless precious promises that perfectly meet your needs. Consider this one: "He won't break the bruised reed, nor quench the smoking flax." Does that speak to you? You might feel like a reed: fragile, insignificant, and weak, perhaps even bruised and unable to produce anything worthwhile. Yet, He won't break you. Instead, He'll restore and strengthen you.

Maybe you feel like smoking flax, providing no light or warmth. But He won't snuff you out. He'll gently fan you into a flame with His mercy. Do you want another promise? "Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Such comforting words. Jesus knows the tenderness of your heart, and speaks gently to you.

Won't you come to Him now? Here's another promise: "Fear not, you worm Jacob, I will help you, says the Lord and your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel." How can you fear with such assurance? You can gather countless promises like these. "I've blotted out your sins like a cloud, and like a thick cloud, your sins." Or this: "Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." Or this: "The Spirit and the Bride say, Come, and let him who is thirsty come, and whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely." Our Lord's field is rich, overflowing with promises.

Look at them lying before you, dear timid believer. Gather them, make them yours, for Jesus invites you to take them. Don't be afraid, just believe! Embrace these sweet promises, meditate on them, and find joy in them.