Fulfilling Your Vows

In reality, what does it mean to make a vow? To make a promise?

Many are quick to make promises, but just as quick to forget them. And they aren’t careful to keep their commitments. They may develop these habits in relationships with other people—even with God.

Jesus taught that keeping promises is an important part of our spiritual lives. Our “yes” should mean “yes.” Our “no” should mean “no.” It is as simple as that. “Anything beyond these is of evil” (Matthew 5:37).

The psalmist recognized that many people take God for granted. They may think they serve Him but, in fact, can be quick to ignore His Word, or forget their promises.

He recognized that God was Sovereign. He was the Judge, and to be feared. We must not take His words lightly and must be careful to keep the promises made to Him.

He knew that our Lord was a God of covenants, committed to fulfill His promises to all who did their part and obeyed Him. Knowing this truth, the psalmist wrote, “Let all who are around Him bring gifts to Him who is to be feared.”

We, too, need to be reminded to have reverence for God and His Word—to be serious about our promises to Him, and to remember the importance of serving Him with our resources.

Today, make sure that you don’t take God for granted. Be serious about your relationship with Him. Worship Him. Obey His Word. Honor Him with the resources He has given to you. And remember, He is a God of covenants. He keeps His promises. If you honor Him, He will honor you.