Nougat 13

In my reading this morning, I came across an interesting prayer to God to help us start the work week. Consider Today’s Holy Nougat

Psalms 56:12 CEVDCI

[12] I will keep my promises to you, my God, and bring you gifts.

Promises, Promises

We often joke about politicians and their seeming inability to keep promises made on the campaign trail. It often feels as if they tell us anything, even selling their souls to get that which they desire: our votes. And in many countries, once they win the elections all promises are forgotten until the next election draws near.

Self-Check

Which is worse, a politician who we believe has no integrity or us, who keep voting for them regardless of the disappointment?

Application

Our Nougat today is not about politicians, although it sounds a lot like politics. As believers, we made a (hopefully) sincere commitment to Y’shua when we accepted God’s lordship over our lives. Whether we wish to accept it as such, promises are commitments and often include covenants (just think wedding vows). It is also important for us to remember that covenants, promises, and commitments are not supposed to be optional. Most are conditional, that is, they operate under specific contexts, but conditionality doesn’t justify random forgetfulness.

As believers, we are called to reflect Christ in all we say or do. It’s one promise that we make to Christ that isn’t negotiable. How well are we keeping that promise? Further, in accepting His lordship, we also promised (covenanted) to keep Him as our Number 1 priority. Yet, for many of us, Christ’s plans for us and His desire for our lives get placed after studies, work, family, friends, and even foes (yup, our failure to forgive says Christ’s desires come after we nurture our desires against our ‘foes’).

Is it that we simply tell God what we think God wishes to hear, or that we only keep our promises until God satisfies our current need? If so, then we’re playing politics with God. In fact, one could say that in doing so, we’ve elevated our status above our Creator. And, if we’re arguing that politicians are to be held accountable for their promises – at least, I am – then we must expect to be held accountable by God for our promises.

Let’s revisit that first clause in our Nougat – can we honestly say that we will keep our promises to God? God is no fool, so let’s not try to placate God with promises we don’t desire to keep. Furthermore, let’s seek to keep our promises to Y’shua because of love, and not only in compliance with an obligation.

Prayer Point

Lord,

Please reveal to us every promise to You that we have failed to keep. Forgive us for our inconsistency, and help us all that we place pleasing You as our priority. Remind us of our love for You, and help us to live for You as an act of love, not obligation. May our obedience be our worship we pray, in Y’shua’s name, amen

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May all we seek be found in Christ