I’ve been to several wedding vow renewal ceremonies. I’ve also heard people scoff at the idea. After all, the couple made a promise for a lifetime. Why should they have to go through it again?

How many times did God renew His covenant with Israel? Over and over again! In 1 Samuel, I’ve counted no less than three times when David and Jonathan renewed their covenant of friendship with each other.

So to the two of them renewed their covenant of friendship before the Lord. Then Jonathan returned home, while David stayed at Horesh.

1 Samuel 23:18 (NLT)

If a covenant is supposed to last for life, why should it have to be renewed?

You may have heard the story of a husband who never tells his wife he loves her. His reason, “I told you I loved you on the day I married you, if anything changes, I’ll let you know.” Imagine how that wife would feel? How secure would she feel in the love of her husband if he never told her so?

The purpose of renewing a covenant isn’t necessarily to fix what was broken, but it serves as a reminder for all parties involved of the original promise. Often in church, a pastor will invite the entire congregation to repeat the prayer of salvation. While this serves to make a new believer more comfortable, it can also be a sacred time of renewal for a long-time believer.

I think that there are times in our walk with God where a reminder of our promise can be helpful. Perhaps you are going through a tough time. Maybe you’ve pulled away from your relationship with God. Or maybe you just need the affirmation that God is still on His throne and He still accepts you no matter what.

When you are offered the opportunity to recommit yourself to the Lord—no matter what your circumstance—don’t scoff at it, rather jump at it. Just like we may need a reminder of who we are committed to, I’m sure God enjoys and appreciates our words of a renewed covenant with Him.

Daily Bible reading: 1 Samuel 22-24, Luke 16:1-18