A Story on the Hymn, “Standing on the Promises of God,” by William Petersen

When you are “standing on the promises,” you can be secure regardless of the premises. That was certainly true in the life of the author of this hymn, Kelso Carter.

Kelso Carter was a hard man to keep track of because he kept moving around. A star athlete, he returned to college after his graduation to become a professor of chemistry, natural science, civil engineering, and mathematics. Then he moved out West and raised sheep in California. After that, he practiced a different kind of shepherding and was ordained into the Methodist ministry. He spoke frequently in Methodist camp meetings when he wasn’t writing novels or mathematics and science textbooks. Later he returned to his home state of Maryland, studied medicine, and became a practicing physician in Baltimore.

When the Christian and Missionary Alliance asked him to help compile a hymnal for use in their churches, Carter gladly did so, personally contributing more than fifty poems and tunes to the hymnal.

Some people feel insecure when they are thrust into new jobs, new locations, or new circumstances, but not Kelso Carter. Regardless of the premises, he was “standing on the promises of God.”

Scriptures: Psalm 119:49; Isaiah 40:8; 2 Peter 1:4
Themes: Assurance, Security, Promises

Lyrics of the Hymn:
Standing on the promises of Christ my King,
Thro’ eternal ages let His praises ring;
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.

Chorus:
Standing, standing, standing on the promises of God my Savior.
Standing, standing, I’m standing on the promises of God.

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.

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.

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.
By R. KELSO CARTER (1849–1928)

Reference for the Hymn:
Petersen, William. The Complete Book of Hymns (pp. 150-151). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.