Standing on the Promises

"Standing on the Promises" is one of the most enduring hymns of Christian assurance and steadfast faith. Written by Russell Kelso Carter in 1886, the hymn boldly affirms the reliability of God’s promises and urges believers to anchor their lives upon them. Carter, a man of varied talents including hymn writing, education, authorship, and medicine, had a personal encounter with God’s promises when he battled a serious heart condition. In his moment of deep affliction, he turned entirely to God’s Word and committed himself to stand upon its truth for healing, both spiritually and physically. This personal conviction resonates through the confident and energetic lines of the hymn.

The hymn is constructed around a martial, march-like melody that mirrors the firmness and strength described in the lyrics. Each stanza echoes a particular aspect of Christian life that depends on God’s promises: victory over sin, divine guidance, the power of the Spirit, and the believer’s eternal hope. The refrain, repeated after every stanza, reinforces the central idea: the Christian life is not based on feelings or changing circumstances, but on the unwavering foundation of what God has declared. Carter’s use of vivid imagery, standing, overcoming, living by the Word, invites us to an active faith that leans fully on God’s unchanging truth.

Scripturally, the hymn draws strength from verses such as Joshua 21:45, “There failed not ought of any good thing which the Lord had spoken,” and Romans 4:20-21, which speaks of Abraham being strong in faith, fully persuaded that God would do what He had promised. In a world of uncertainty, “Standing on the Promises” continues to uplift generations with its bold message that God’s Word is sure, His covenant secure, and His grace sufficient. It remains a staple in evangelical hymnody and a source of strength for believers facing both trials and triumphs.