“Standing on the Promises”
R. Kelso Carter
UM Hymnal, No. 374
June 7, 2026
Standing on the Promises Staff Devotional – June 16, 2026
Scripture: "For no matter how many promises God has made, they are 'Yes' in Christ." — 2 Corinthians 1:20
Many of us know the familiar hymn Standing on the Promises. We sang it just a couple weeks ago as the closing hymn. Its energetic melody and confident words have inspired generations of Christians to trust God in every season of life. But the story behind the hymn makes its message even more powerful.
Its author, Russell Kelso Carter, was a man of remarkable talents. He taught chemistry, mathematics, and engineering at the Pennsylvania Military Academy. He was an accomplished athlete, author, hymnal editor, and eventually became both a physician and a Methodist minister. Yet despite all his abilities, Carter faced a crisis that none of his accomplishments could solve.
In his early thirties, he became seriously ill with a heart condition and debilitating fatigue. Doctors could offer no hope. In desperation, Carter turned to God in prayer and made a promise: if God restored his health, he would dedicate the rest of his life to serving Christ. Over the following months, he recovered completely. Carter credited God with his healing and spent the remainder of his life fulfilling that promise.
Out of that experience came Standing on the Promises.
The hymn is not about wishful thinking or blind optimism. It is the testimony of a man who had reached the end of his own strength and discovered that God's promises were stronger than his circumstances. Having learned that lesson firsthand, Carter resolved to build his life on the unchanging truth of God's Word.
If this were not enough, Carter also edited hymnals. He assisted A.B. Simpson in the compilation of a hymnal for the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, Hymns of the Christian Life (1891), a collection that contained 68 of his tunes and 52 of his texts.
Published the year it was written in the collection, Songs of Perfect Love, edited by John K. Sweeny and Carter, the original text had five stanzas. The missing stanza reads:
Standing on the promises I now can see
Perfect, present cleansing in the blood for me;
Standing in the liberty where Christ makes free,
Standing on the promises of God.
The second line of this stanza has a particular Wesleyan tone with its focus on perfection and cleansing blood. The Rev. Carlton Young, editor of the UM Hymnal, notes: “As in other single-theme evangelical hymns and songs of this period, the biblical source of the hymn is not clear. ‘Stand firm’ from Ephesians 6:14 has often been cited as the theme of the hymn, although the word ‘promise’ tends to be reinforced as well.”
Thus, two passages of Scripture seem to undergird the central premise of this gospel song: “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place. . . .” (Ephesians 6:14). Several passages relate to the promises of God including 2 Samuel 22:31: “As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried; he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.”
As church staff, we know there are days when ministry feels exhilarating and days when it feels exhausting. We carry responsibilities, solve problems, comfort people in pain, and often work behind the scenes where few notice. At times we may wonder whether our efforts are making a difference.
The good news is that our confidence does not rest in our abilities, our plans, or even our results. Like Carter, we are called to stand on God's promises.
When we feel inadequate, God promises, "My grace is sufficient for you."
When we feel weary, Jesus says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
When the future feels uncertain, God assures us, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
The Apostle Paul reminds us that every promise of God finds its fulfillment in Christ. Because of that, we can stand firm. We can continue serving with courage. We can move forward in faith, knowing that the One who called us is faithful.
As we begin another week of ministry together, may we remember that we are not standing on our own strength. We are standing on the promises of God.
Prayer
Faithful God, thank You for the promises You have given us through Jesus Christ. When we are tired, remind us that Your strength is sufficient. When we face uncertainty, help us trust Your faithfulness. As we serve Your people, keep us rooted in Your Word and confident in Your love. May our ministry be guided not by fear or anxiety, but by the assurance that You are always with us. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.
Optional Hymn Verse to Close Together
"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."
On Sunday, August 31, 2025, the closing hymn at Pender United Methodist Church was “Standing on the Promises.” This beloved hymn was requested by the congregation and accompanied by Patrick King, Director of Music at Pender.
“Standing on the Promises” was written in 1886 by Russell Kelso Carter, who penned both the words and music as a testimony of his enduring faith. For generations, this hymn has encouraged believers to hold fast to God’s promises through every circumstance of life.
Join us in lifting our voices together in this timeless song of faith and assurance.
The Pender UMC Traditional Service Middle Hymn “Standing on the Promises”, Sunday February 25, 2024 was played by Heidi Jacobs on piano and sung by the Sanctuary Choir and congregation. This was the second Sunday in Lent.
“Standing on the Promises" was the middle hymn at Pender's 9:00 am Traditional Service on June 18, 2023 It was sung by Pender's congregation, accompanied on piano by Heidi Jacobs and guitar by Brian Stevenson.
The Pender UMC Traditional Service Opening Hymn "Standing on the Promises" on Sunday November 6, 2022 was played by Liz Eunji Moon on piano, accompanied on guitar by Brian Stevenson and sung the Pender Sanctuary Choir and congregation.
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.
Russell Kelso Carter (1849-1928) was a man of diverse interests and abilities. A native of Baltimore, Md., Carter was known as an outstanding athlete in his younger days. The Methodist Holiness camp meeting movement had a profound impact on his life and he was ordained into ministry in 1887.
Carter held a number of teaching posts at the Pennsylvania Military Academy including professor of chemistry, natural science, civil engineering and mathematics. Not only did he teach, but he also published text books in his various disciplines and even authored several novels. Other interests included sheep-raising and practicing medicine.
If this were not enough, Carter also edited hymnals. He assisted A.B. Simpson in the compilation of a hymnal for the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, Hymns of the Christian Life (1891), a collection that contained 68 of his tunes and 52 of his texts.
“Standing on the Promises” was composed in 1886 while Carter was teaching at the military academy. He was a member of the first graduating class in 1867 and had a strong affinity for the school. Author Phil Kerr makes a connection between the music and the military academy in his book, Music in Evangelism, stating that Carter’s military experience was reflected in the martial musical style of the hymn.
Published the year it was written in the collection, Songs of Perfect Love, edited by John K. Sweeny and Carter, the original text had five stanzas. The missing stanza reads:
Standing on the promises I now can see
Perfect, present cleansing in the blood for me;
Standing in the liberty where Christ makes free,
Standing on the promises of God.
The second line of this stanza has a particular Wesleyan tone with its focus on perfection and cleansing blood. The Rev. Carlton Young, editor of the UM Hymnal, notes: “As in other single-theme evangelical hymns and songs of this period, the biblical source of the hymn is not clear. ‘Stand firm’ from Ephesians 6:14 has often been cited as the theme of the hymn, although the word ‘promise’ tends to be reinforced as well.”
Thus, two passages of Scripture seem to undergird the central premise of this gospel song: “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place. . . .” (Ephesians 6:14). Several passages relate to the promises of God including 2 Samuel 22:31: “As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried; he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.”
Dr. Young points out that this hymn was not included in authorized hymnals for Methodists (or in the 1957 hymnal of the Evangelical United Brethren Church) until the current hymnal. He states, “Its place in our hymnal came from its inclusion in a list of hymns determined to be widely used by evangelical United Methodists.”
As is the case of many gospel songs, this song revolves around its refrain. The stanzas, rather than serving to develop a sequential train of thought, are more like the spokes of a bicycle—all serving as an entry point to the refrain from various perspectives. One could reorder the stanzas and not lose any train of thought.
Hymnologist Kenneth Osbeck places the hymn in its context: “The hymn has been widely used in the great evangelistic crusades throughout the past century.” It is in this context that its single focus and rousing, martial music may be best suited.
Adapted from https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-stirring-promises-serves-as-popular-crusade-hymn
