In review of Ecclesiastes 5:4 I'm reminded that “When you make a promise to God, don’t delay in following through, for God takes no pleasure in fools.” (NLT)
In this verse Solomon warns me about making foolish promises (vows) to God. In the Israelite culture, making a vow was a serious matter. A vow was voluntary, but once made, it could not be changed. So it is foolish to make a vow that I cannot keep or to play games with God by only partially fulfilling it. It's better to not make a vow, than to make a vow to God and then break it. It's better still to make a vow and keep it.
I may keep saying that I want to know God’s will for my career or relationship, but first God wants me to get the basics down. Am I reading His Word? Am I part of a small group? Am I tithing? Am I spending time with him?
Is there something God has already told me to do that I haven’t done yet? Why would he tell me the next step when I haven’t taken the one I already know about?
Maybe you’ve been looking for a group of people to do life with, and you need to start a small group in your home. Maybe God has shown me why he created me the way I am, and I need to find a way to use my gifts and talents to serve others. What am I waiting for?
Ecclesiastes 5:4 reminds me this morning, “When you make a promise to God, don’t delay in following through, for God takes no pleasure in fools” (NLT). Don’t delay. Do what I already know to do.
In summary, if I make a promise to God, then don't delay in doing it. God takes no pleasure in fools. A vow or promise is serious, once made it should not be changed. So it is foolish to make a promise and not keep it or only just play games in partially fulfilling it. It's better to not make a promise than to make one and not keep it. I may keep saying I want to know God's will, but am I getting the basics of what he has already told me to do down? Is there something God has told me to do that I haven't. Why would he reveal the next steps when I haven't taken the one I already know I need to do. So, don't delay, do what I already has already been revealed to me to do.
Today I pray, “Lord, I need your guidance in my life. I ask in faith that you direct me. Help me to listen for your response, to not get so busy that I can’t hear you. Father, when I don’t understand it, help me to trust you and understand that you have a path that is meant for my good. God, what’s the next step I need to take today? Help me to do what I already know I should do. Help me to not get frustrated. Help me to not be fearful but to trust in you. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”
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