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If you know people who are going through a hard time and you know you could be there for them because they told you, but you choose not to be there for them even though you promised you will be there, is that a sin? Should we not be there for anybody that needs us?

If you promised someone that you would be there for them, then you should. However, that is an unreasonable promise that you should not have made in the first place because the scope of people's problems and their expectation of your unconditional involvement to help may be too much for you to handle. Rather, you could have assured this person that you will help if and when you can. However, you should also be clear that there are many areas in which you do not have time, means, knowledge, or expertise in which to help. Thus, help if and when you can, but know your own limits and refer your friend to the church or community resources for specialized care. "Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin" (James 4:17).