I Kings 8:20
The Lord has kept the promise he made.
Promises are firm statements that something will happen as the promiser intended. They’re generally positive in nature because the receiver of the promise needs assurance that things will be okay. Some promises are negative, as in a vow to seek revenge or to inflict harm. While it’s probably a good thing if negative promises aren’t fulfilled, the good promise is binding in that someone is counting on you to keep your word.
The Bible records a number of promise exchanges between God and his people. God always keeps his promises — except for those yet unfulfilled promises about our future beyond this life. But he’s got a pretty good track record, so why shouldn’t we trust him to follow through? His people, on the other hand, were not so faithful in keeping their promises. The key figures generally did, but the people as a whole, especially the clergy, were always reneging.
But why does God need to make promises? A promise is also a vow. The Bible has a lot of things to say about vows. Like taking your vow seriously (Numbers 30:2). Keeping your word. So why does Jesus say to forget about vows? He says to let your “yes” be “yes” and your “no” be “no.” (Matthew 5:37) That makes more sense. And he’s God’s son.
I also wonder why we even need to exchange promises. Our character should be such that we promote trust among one another. If true trust is in place, then promises are unnecessary. Promises lock us down; they don’t allow for circumstances that enter and make the promise uncomfortable or difficult to keep. God uses people and events to direct our steps daily. Promises, oaths or vows may set us up to deny God’s urging because we don’t allow unforseen factors to challenge our promises.
If God makes a promise, he is sure to keep it because he isn’t affected by unforseen circumstances. But do we trust him because he promises things? Or should we just simply love him because he’s our heavenly Father? If we feel the need to make a promise, maybe we should qualify it with “if the Lord wills.” But that seems shallow, like a cop out. If we can’t keep the promise, then it just wasn’t the Lord’s will.
I would rather just trust in the Lord’s will. I pray for it daily. I’m particulary conscious of it, and desire it, when I have a medical concern, or a frustrating workday, or a difficult relationship. Beyond that I want those around me to know that my “yes” and “no” can be trusted. And that my love is genuine.
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