“If you make a vow to the LORD your God, do not be slow to pay it, for the LORD your God will certainly demand it of you and you will be guilty of sin. But if you refrain from making a vow, you will not be guilty. Whatever your lips utter you must be sure to do, because you made your vow freely to the LORD your God with your own mouth.” Deuteronomy 23:21-23 (NIV)
Deuteronomy 23:21–23 reminds us that when we make a promise to God, our words matter. God doesn’t ask us to make big promises to impress Him. It’s better not to make a promise at all than to make one to God and not follow through.
This passage is especially personal to me. My mom showed me these verses at a time when I desperately needed them. I truly believe God used my mom and these words to save my life. That day, I made a promise to God that I would not drink, and by His grace, I haven’t had a drink since.
It made me realize how easy it can be to tell God, “I’ll change,” “I’ll surrender this,” or “I’ll follow You wherever You lead,” especially when we’re desperate for His help. But our promises to God shouldn’t only matter when life is hard. They should still matter when things start getting better.
God wants honesty, not empty promises. He wants us to mean what we say and follow through with obedience. Our relationship with Him isn’t built on dramatic words. It’s built on trust, faithfulness, and a heart that genuinely wants to follow Him.
Thanks Mom for making this all possible!