Scripture: Psalm (NIV) 66:12 You let people ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance.
13 I will come to your temple with burnt offerings and fulfill my vows to you—14 vows my lips promised and my mouth spoke when I was in trouble.

Observation: Because of their sin, God allowed other nations to rule Israel, but not destroy Israel. God had a plan for Israel in the future. The Promised Messiah would come through the nation of Israel. So God would deliver and restore Israel. Then the psalmist would go to the temple with offerings to fulfill the vows he made to God when they were in trouble. God had delivered them, now it was time to keep their promises.

Application: I remember a US Marine in Viet Nam who came to me one morning after our company had a meeting with the enemy. He said, “Doc, I got down on my knees and prayed last night!” I am sure he did, because I prayed too! In times of trouble we often make vows to the Lord, “If you get me out of this mess I will serve you, or I will take care of …, or I will make things right with …, or I will start tithing, or whatever. Like the psalmist, I must remember my word and keep the promises I made to God when I was in trouble. If there is any promise I break, let it not be one made to God!

Prayer: Holy Spirit, help me remember the promises I have made to God. Work in my life so that I can keep them. Amen