Readings from the Old Testament / Hebrew Scriptures

Place your hope and trust in God’s promises.

You are my defender and protector;
I put my hope in your promise.
. . .

How certain your promise is!
How I love it!
Psalm 119.114, 140

“God keeps every promise he makes.
He is like a shield for all who seek his protection.”
Proverbs 30.5

The LORD promises forgiveness and opens the way to a new relationship with him.

The LORD says, “The time is coming when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. It will not be like the old covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand and led them out of Egypt. Although I was like a husband to them, they did not keep that covenant. The new covenant that I will make with the people of Israel will be this: I will put my law within them and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. None of them will have to teach a neighbor to know the LORD, because all will know me, from the least to the greatest. I will forgive their sins and I will no longer remember their wrongs. I, the LORD, have spoken.”
Jeremiah 31.31-34

The LORD promises to be with you.
“I am the LORD your God;
I strengthen you and tell you,
‘Do not be afraid;
I will help you.’ ”
Isaiah 41.13

Israel, the LORD who created you says,
“Do not be afraid – I will save you.
I have called you by name – you are mine.
When you pass through deep waters,
I will be with you;
your troubles will not
overwhelm you.

When you pass through fire,
you will not be burned;
the hard trials that come
will not hurt you.
For I am the LORD your God,
the holy God of Israel,
who saves you.”
Isaiah 43.1-3a