Most of us feel that deep inside, we are trustworthy, sensitive and conscientious. Therefore, finding ourselves in a dilemma where we are unable to keep a promise, can trouble our sleep.

Tonight, is there something weighing on your mind...something you have promised to do but which you realize you will be unable to fulfill? Do you feel you're in a hopeless bind? You feel badly because you realize how vitally important vows are to God (Ecclesiastes 5:4) and you are trapped and don't know what to do.

It's not that you are trying to squirm out of something. You had all the best intentions, but life took an unexpected turn. Perhaps you co-signed a loan for someone; volunteered to take on a project, or got yourself over-committed. Whatever it is, I think the principle God gives us in Proverbs applies to your situation. It says:

"...If you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth, then do this, my son, to free yourself, since you have fallen into your neighbor's hands; Go and humble yourself; press your plea with your neighbor! Allow no sleep to your eyes, no slumber to your eyelids. Free yourself, like a gazelle...like a bird from the snare of the fowler" (Proverbs 6:2-5, NIV).

Take God's Word seriously. Go and humble yourself to whomever you have bound yourself. Pray in advance that God will soften his or her heart, so you can be set free!

Heavenly Father, I thank You that even when there seems no way out, You provide a way. Give me the courage and the spiritual strength to humble myself before this person to whom I am bound. Let him understand and be merciful. Let me never forget that it is to the merciful that You show mercy, and when it is my turn to release someone from a commitment, let me do so gladly. In Jesus' Name, Amen.