I will betroth you to me forever. Hosea 2: 19 

“I’ll be your friend forever,” one said to another. Yet something fractured their relationship.  The memories of the past haunt them like ghosts.

“I take you as my wife and promise to love you till death do us part,” one said to another.  The personally crafted wedding vows were beautiful, made in earnest, and moved the guests who heard them to tears. It seemed inconceivable that the two who spoke these words became casualties of divorce. 

The best of friendships and the most model marriages are only reflections of a more perfect love. Because they are human, they are flawed.  But God has made a covenant of love with me, just as surely as if there had been a ceremony. In that poignant setting, He spoke these words; “I will betroth you to me forever.”  Can you picture it?  Can you hear Him speak deep in your spirit?  God is the covenant keeper. He does not feel trapped by His promises no matter how unfaithful I may be. He was, and is, energized by making and keeping promises.   He feels as passionately about me today as the day we became one at the cross.

Earthly vows made today may be retracted down the road.  We’ve all seen it.  And you may have experienced it.  Without a connection to the One whose heart never changes, we will become cynical and trust no one.  Upon hearing new vows, we’ll dismiss them.  “Yeah, right!  I’ve heard that before,” we’ll say under our breath.   We won’t be open to new love nor will we be eager to give it.  It’s tragic to become one who has a closed spirit.  

The only cure to cynicism is perfect love.  And it does exist.  It casts out fear and promises nothing but bliss.  Jesus, the Love-Giver, never disappoints.

I renew my vows today.  I pledge myself to You forever. Amen