Like clouds and wind without rain is one who boasts about a gift not given. Proverbs 25:14, TLV

Are You a Bearer of Unfulfilled Promises?     When we lived in Georgia, several of the years were draught years. One of the most frustrating things was when those rain clouds hovered over us, but then moved on without sharing one drop of moisture. The weather reports promised rain, but alas, nothing.

Kind of like promises. They hover over us. Our faces upturned with hope and anticipation, but nothing materializes—except disappointment.

We’ve all encountered souls — perhaps we’ve been guilty of this ourselves — who are the bearers of unfulfilled promises.

Generally, it begins with an intent to be or appear to be generous. A desire to be or look like a provider of blessings to others. But, for whatever reason the person doesn’t follow through.

An Oath?

Making promises and commitments is like making an oath. It shouldn’t be done on a whim, out of emotions, sentiment, or to manipulate. Whether our intent is well meaning or not, boasting about a promise we have no assurances we can fulfill can ruin our credibility. Perhaps it will ruin even more.

In Matthew 5:33-37. Jesus warns us to not swear an oath falsely to the Lord. This warning carries His edict that when we do so we’re being influenced by the evil one. Yikes!

It seems our Heavenly Father doesn’t need a dramatic promise, He merely wants us to have integrity. I’m thinking this also applies to one another, don’t you?

“Again, you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall carry out your oaths to ADONAI [the LORD].’ But I tell you, do not swear at all—not by heaven, for it is the throne of God; or by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make a single hair white or black. But let your word ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’—anything more than this is from the evil one.” Matthew 5:33-37, TLV

Our word should mean what it means — which is why our words should be few and thoughtful. An area I certainly can work to improve.

We can hope to fulfill our intent. Maybe that’s all we should commit to — our promise to do the best we can. It’s not as dramatic or romantic or attention-getting, but when we keep our promise, that’s a good thing.

Think More About It

How do you handle promises? What lessons have you learned over the years?

Until tomorrow, may our promises be thoughtful and kept, my friends.

Let my cry come to You, ADONAI.
Grant me understanding by Your word.
Let my supplication come before You.
Deliver me, according to Your promise.
My lips utter praise,
for You teach me Your statutes. Psalm 119:169-171, TLV

Ah. Great petition, my friends. Shall we pray together? Shabbat shalom, chag semeach, and God bless!