Oaths and vows

[YYZ Skinhead]

Are the vows I used to make to God, trying to bargain with Him, still binding? Stuff like "if You get me out of this bad flashback I'll never do so-and-so again"? People in the OT/Tanakh used to do it, but Jesus said "Swear not at all". I was a deadbrain for making those promises in the first place, but I'd like to know if God expects me to keep them.

[Mary]

1 John1 vs 9

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

[Vic]

Hi, I had answered this the day you posted LM, but the silly system decided to not let me post---said it was too big a file. And I know I didn't write a book.

Mary's scripture is right on. We all can say and do things in ignorance and lack of understanding of the Scriptures, and thankfully God understands that. Making bargains with God is, as you understand now, quite contrary to the relationship we are to have with Him. So as with most people, dealing with those things is really the same as other sin issues and errors in judgment we can all make before we really understand that area we are learning about.

That said, it is really about knowing that regardless of what is happening in our lives, whether severe temptation or hardship, what God wants from us is our absolute trust that He is going to take us through those things, because He loves us and wants what's best for us. It's letting go of trying to be in control of what's happening all around us and simply knowing and believing that come what may, God is not only in control, but directing our steps and keeping us. He knows all our needs better than we do, and knows where He wants us to be tomorrow or a year from now. So in order to rest in Him, and have that absolute peace and joy from trusting Him, we merely need to acknowledge our desire to follow HIm and trust Him no matter what. Praying always and that awareness of that decision to live for Him through whatever comes seems to be the result and impetus to move forward trusting Him. No bargaining or vows necessary other than a heart's desire to serve Him and be obedient to Him. I think it's like a deep resolve to live for Him, believing and trusting Him. He really does love us and desires us to just wait on Him to take us through whatever is challenging us. And then those times roll into just walking with Him day to day, knowing He will never leave or forsake us, even when those storms of life want to drive us into the rocks. It really is knowing He can calm the storms and move the mountains and bring down our Goliath's.

I want to eventually share some of those issues that I have been dealing with and how faithful God is, but will have to see about writing it down.

Isa 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.