Keeping Promises

When he arrived for the New York premiere of the film 2001: A Space Odyssey, Alex North had every reason to be filled with anticipation. Born on this day in 1910, North had become an important composer of film music.

He had been selected by director Stanley Kubrick for the prestigious assignment of writing music for this project. Kubrick told North that he “was the film composer he most respected” and “looked forward to working together.”

The two men met, laying out plans for the sound they wanted. After weeks of intense composing, North was satisfied. Kubrick, too, seemed pleased and even attended the recording sessions.

But when North arrived for that premiere, he was shocked. Watching the final cut of the film for the first time, he learned that Kubrick had used none of the music he had written. Instead, he had used classical music excerpts. This music became a hit with the public, most of whom knew nothing about what happened behind the scenes.

But the experience was devastating for North. Only more than 40 years later was his score resurrected, and the public could hear the original music he had written.

There are many ways each of us can find ourselves surprised, disappointed, and even hurt by the decisions of others. It can be painful to see how promises may not have been kept.

The Bible reminds us that God is different. He is completely trustworthy. We see this clearly in the story of Jesus’ birth as God remembered and kept every promise He made to send a Savior. As Paul reminded the Corinthians, all His promises are true.

In your life, remember that others may fall short or disappoint you. But God is completely trustworthy. His promises are eternally true, and they are true for you.