“Cross my heart and hope to die, stick a needle in my eye.” That’s a form of child-hood legal speak. A contractual agreement that truth is being told. Jesus said our “yes should be yes and our no should be no,” but even among the best of people, contracts are signed and formal agreements are filed. Did you know that God swore an oath? He couldn’t swear by any one greater so He had to swear by Himself; His words were “By Myself I have sworn.” It might seem redundant for the One whose words are truth to make an oath but there was something very important He wanted to emphasize. He wanted Abraham and all his heirs to know that when He made a promise, it was solid! God’s credibility is not in question but we are often cynical and doubtful. God wanted the children of Abraham to not waver. He wanted all those who live by faith to endure, patiently. He knew we would be tempted to go back to something else or someone else and His oath, His double-promise was for our assurance. Those who have fled to Him for a refuge for the soul can have steadfast confidence. In light of all the crazy in our world, there is in fact a place of safety, His Name is Jesus Christ.