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When was the last time you made a promise to someone? Maybe you didn’t preface your commitment with, “I promise,” but you meant it. It was your word, or assurance, that you’d follow through.

I was watching my daughter and some of her friends the other day when I realized how easy it was to make promises when I was young. In fact, my kids have made lots of promises over the years.

Promises like: “I promise we’ll go to bed before midnight.” “I promise I’ll wear my retainer.” “I promise to be nice to that girl who talks behind my back every day.”

“If you let me go to the party, I promise I’ll be home by 1 a.m.” “I promise to do my chores tomorrow.” “I’ll pay you back, I promise.”

Promises, promises.

Throughout our lifetime, people have made us promises that were not kept. Some of those promises were not all that earth-shattering, but some were.

Promises like, “You can trust me” or “I’ll never tell anyone your secret” or “I’ll love you forever” are genuinely significant promises. It’s devastating when they are broken.

But just so we aren’t hard on everyone else, we have to admit that we too have made promises we didn’t keep. If truth be told, each of us has probably made some that we never intended to keep.

Regretfully, I admit that I have made a few promises that I’ve broken.

And I’ve had a few people through the years who have made promises to me and broken them. As I reflect on some of those broken promises, I can’t describe the disorientation and betrayal I experienced.

The worst thing was that I found myself not trusting anyone.

Except for God. God makes certain promises to every believer that he fully intends to keep.

Here’s my list of favorites:

* God hears our prayers. Call on him and he will answer.

* God is my refuge in the storms of life.

* God has a plan for each of our lives.

* God promises that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.

* God is slow to anger.

* God’s peace will guard our hearts.

* God’s love endures forever.

* God sends us angels to communicate a message, to protect us, to help us and guide us.

* God runs toward us. (see Luke 15)

* God will complete a good work in us.

* God will never leave us or forsake us.

* God is close to the brokenhearted.

* God summons me (and you) by name.

* God’s mercy is new for us every morning.

* God is good all the time.

* God delights in us!

Ah, promises, promises … we make them and break them … but God never does.

(Larry and Linda Kloster sponsor this column.)

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