Richard Smallwood - Unbroken Promises Lyrics
Lyrics
They promised that they’d always be there for me
And when I needed them, they’d be around
But when I called on them in my trouble
Those that promised me could not be found
They say that promises are made to be broken
But Your promises have never let me down
You’re the author of unbroken promises
Yes and amen are your promises
And what You’ve said will come to pass
For You’re no shorter than Your promise
And Your word shall always last
They say that promises are made to be broken
But your faithfulness has never been surpassed
You’re the author of unbroken promises
Your promises shall come to pass
Great is Your faithfulness
Your word shall always last
You’re the author of unbroken promises
That settles it
You’re the author of unbroken promises
You are the author of unbroken promises
Video
Unbroken Promises
Meaning & Inspiration
Richard Smallwood's "Unbroken Promises," released in 2011 as part of the album of the same name, offers a profound meditation on divine faithfulness against the backdrop of human fallibility. The song opens with a raw acknowledgement of dashed expectations, a common human experience where those we lean on, those who pledge their presence, often falter when we most need them. This initial lament, "when I called on them in my trouble, those that promised me could not be found," resonates with the sting of betrayal and the vulnerability of relying on imperfect human commitments. It sets the stage for a powerful pivot to a source of unwavering reliability.
The core message of "Unbroken Promises" is the stark contrast between fragile human pledges and the absolute certainty of God's covenants. Smallwood directly confronts the cynical adage that "promises are made to be broken," asserting that this is demonstrably untrue when it comes to the character and declarations of the Almighty. The lyrics powerfully declare that God is the "author of unbroken promises," a title that encapsulates His sovereign authority and perfect integrity. This divine authorship implies that His promises are not mere utterances but foundational truths upon which reality is built, much like Genesis 1 speaks of God speaking creation into existence. The affirmation that "Yes and amen are your promises" directly echoes 2 Corinthians 1:20, highlighting how all of God's promises find their fulfillment in Christ, the embodiment of divine faithfulness. The song further emphasizes God's inherent inability to be less than His word, stating, "For You’re no shorter than Your promise, and Your word shall always last." This speaks to the unchanging nature of God, as described in Malachi 3:6, "For I am the Lord, I do not change." The enduring quality of His word is further illustrated by Isaiah 55:11, which states that God's word will not return to Him empty but will accomplish His purpose. This understanding shifts the listener's perspective from the disappointment of earthly bonds to the unshakeable security found in divine assurance.
The repetition of "Your promises shall come to pass, great is Your faithfulness, Your word shall always last," coupled with the triumphant declaration, "You’re the author of unbroken promises," serves as a powerful testament. It’s a declaration of trust built on the observable track record of God throughout Scripture and personal experience. The song draws deeply from Old Testament accounts of God's covenant faithfulness to Israel, despite their repeated disobedience, and the New Testament fulfillment of those covenants in Jesus. The sentiment of "great is Your faithfulness" directly aligns with Lamentations 3:23, a verse that poetically articulates God's mercies being new every morning. Ultimately, "Unbroken Promises" is an inspiring anthem of hope for anyone who has experienced the pain of broken commitments. It redirects our gaze from the fleeting to the eternal, reminding us that in God, we find a steadfast anchor, the ultimate source of all genuine and enduring assurance. The concluding "That settles it" is not a dismissive end but a resolute affirmation of faith, an embrace of the truth that God's word is sufficient and absolute.