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“Make vows to the LORD your God and perform them: let all who are around Him bring gifts
to the one who is awesome.” Psalm 76:11 NRSV

When I was younger, I would often try to make bargains with God. For example, if you will let me get an A on this test, I’ll study more next time. Of course, the A did not happen because that’s not how God is. He lets us face the consequences of our actions. I soon learned that if I wanted an A, I had to put in the work.

This verse indicates that God does accept our vows and takes them seriously. We are expected to fulfill the vows we make to Him. However, they are not based on Him doing something we want Him to do. These vows should be based on our reverence for who He is. He is our Redeemer, who has given His life that we might have a right relationship with God.

If we vow to God to pray more, serve more, study His Word more, give more financially, then we should make every effort to do what we have vowed. In this way, we show others that we trust and love God. The Holy Spirit is there to guide us and help us as we try to keep those promises. There will be times we fail. In that case, seek forgiveness from God and continue to strive to fulfill your vow.

Prayer

Our Father, who is Worthy of far more than we could ever offer, help us to keep the vows that we make to You. Let our keeping of those vows show the world that we love and fear You. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen