Disappointment. Nobody likes to be disappointed. If you can avoid it, never disappoint someone else. Today’s verse (14) says, “A person who promises a gift but doesn’t give it is like clouds and wind that bring no rain.” For a bit of context, think of how dry it is in Israel. Yet there are farmers and people who live off the land. Imagine the joy when a cloud appears in the sky. A cloud dark in appearance would seem to promise rain. Imagine the let down when it passes over without a drop of rain having fallen. The frustration is great.
I think we have all experienced disappointment in our life at one time or another. We have relied on someone’s word, and they let us down. I am taking the “gift” in this verse to mean any act of service or promise that is made to benefit someone else. If I say I’ll arrive tomorrow to take you to the store, I need to keep my word and show up at the appropriate time. If I don’t, you will not only be upset you will not get the items you needed at the store.
When a promised gift does not come, trust is also broken. Trust can be destroyed in a moment, but the rebuilding can take forever. You want to not only talk the talk but walk the walk. I have also heard it said, “I don’t trust words, I trust actions.” That person has obviously been hurt in the past by someone who didn’t follow through with their word. Trust, once broken, will never be the same again. If you value your relationships, never promise something you cannot deliver.
Sometimes we just don’t know any better or circumstances get in the way of our promises. Keeping this verse in mind, if we cannot deliver our “gift” we need to communicate that before the trust is broken. I don’t think this verse is saying not to make promises, only to make sure we keep them. Don’t say something like, “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it,” and then forget to take care of it. I’ve done this, I’m afraid. Follow through with your promises.
There is one whom we can trust with our lives. God will never let us down. His promises are true. Titus 1:2 says, “This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God—who does not lie—promised them before the world began.” In the Bible, there are thousands of promises made by God to man. Here are some for which you can rely. Exodus 14:14, “The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” Isaiah 40:29, “He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.” 1 John 1:9, “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.”
I could go on and on. Suffice it to say, God is the master promise maker. We can rely on him.
Let’s pray … Lord, thank you for all of the promises we can rely on in your Word. I am feeling so grateful for all you do and have done for me. Help me to be better at setting boundaries so that I don’t make promises I cannot keep. May I be seen as trustworthy by those I encounter. Build me up and equip me for the ministry you have prepared for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
