Standing on the Promises

GodTube Staff

Standing on the Promises
"Standing on the Promises" is a hymn written by Russell Kelso Carter in 1886. Inspired by his time in the military, this hymn contains a martial musical style complementing its theme and focus. Find the lyrics and story, plus video performance below!

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,
listening every moment to the Spirit’s call,
resting in my Savior as my all in all,
standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]

Songwriters Russell Kelso Carter Published by Public Domain

The Story Behind Standing on the Promises

Russell Kelso Carter (1849-1928) was a man of varied passions and abilities. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Carter was known as an excellent athlete in his youth. The Methodist Holiness camp had a deep impact upon his life and he was appointed into the ministry in 1887. 

Carter occupied various teaching posts at the Pennsylvania Military Academy including professor of chemistry, natural science, civil engineering, and mathematics. He not only taught but also published textbooks in his different disciplines and even wrote several novels. Further interests included sheep-raising and practicing medicine. 

“Standing on the Promises” was composed in 1886 while Carter taught at the military academy. He was a member of the first graduating class in 1867 and had a powerful affection for the school. Author Phil Kerr makes a correlation between the music and the military academy in his book, Music in Evangelism, saying that Carter’s military experience was reflected in the martial musical style of the hymn. 

 


 

Popular Hymn Lyrics with Story and Meaning
Day by Day and With Each Passing Moment
Jesus Loves Me
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Blessed Assurance
Nearer My God to Thee
Abide with Me
His Eye is On the Sparrow
Be Thou My Vision
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God Almighty
Amazing Grace

 

X

Where would you like to share this content?

'Standing On The Promises Of God' - Hymn From Alan Jackson

Today's Devotional

A Prayer for Unity in the Church This Christmas - Your Daily Prayer - December 22

It’s easy to take offense when someone hurts you, or you’re frustrated with where you are in life, and it seems as though everyone around you is thriving. But, when we take an honest look at ourselves and see how God loves us (1 Corinthians 13), we realize we have no right to hold any grudges against our brothers and sisters.

Read Today's Devotional