Psalm 66:8-20

“I will come into your house with burnt offerings; I will pay you my vows, those that my lips uttered and my mouth promised when I was in trouble.” vss. 13-14

The psalmist had come through some tough times, maybe some sort of health issue or financial problem, and during those dark days he had made some promises to God about what he would do if he was restored. Chief among those vows was a promise to offer an abundance of burnt offerings at the temple. We’re familiar with those offers to return thanks to God when the current crisis is over. Most folks have probably done that at one time or another. “Get me through this cancer, Lord, and I promise, I’ll be in church every single Sunday.” And then it happens! The tumors disappear, the doctor is pleased, and we are ecstatic. And seldom are the promises remembered! We go on with life and don’t give our vows a second thought. But sometimes people follow through. When Martin Luther had the liver scared out of him in a lightning storm, he promised St. Anne that if she helped him, he would become a monk.  His life was saved, he sold his stuff, and he entered a monastery–and the world was forever changed! Promises are funny things. We do try to keep them, but sometimes the ones we make to God are quickly forgotten. The psalmist didn’t forget; Luther didn’t forget. Were they on to something, or just  foolish?

Thought for the Day: Do I make vows to God? Do I keep them?