Megan Evans, Women’s Ministry Director LHBC
2 Chronicles 16:9a
For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him…
Does my struggle matter to God? Does the Lord know when my heart is challenged and stretched as I seek to follow His ways? The prophet Hanani explained to King Asa that the eyes of the Lord search out hearts that need to be strengthened, including ours today. In fact, the prophet counseled him that it was actually foolish to ignore God’s ready help. Today we can let his words remind us that the Lord is watching and ready to help us too!
Among harsh kings and dark times, Asa was a ray of hope. King Asa had learned to trust the Lord in battle and to courageously stand up for righteousness. Yet, over the years his walk with God somehow dimmed. Though he is mainly remembered for being a good king with a peaceful reign, he is also remembered for falling into a pit of self-reliance. What happened? Could it happen to us too?
After 35 years of peace, crisis reared its ugly head in Judah once again as war threatened Asa’s territory. Despite God’s faithfulness to deliver them previously when they were outnumbered, there is no mention that he cried out to God this time. Instead, Asa actually sought help from a pagan nation. Considering how hard he had worked in the past to rid his kingdom of pagan influence, this was a surprising choice.
Asa forgot that the same God who was faithful before would be faithful again. Aren’t we all a bit like this though? When things are going well, it is tempting to grow lax in our walk with God. Then when challenge comes our way, we tend to forget the true source of our ready help. 2 Chronicles 16 illustrates the importance of peace time spiritual growth.
God wants to help us in the big things…and the small. He wants to strengthen our hearts every single day. What are you doing today to stay fully committed to the Lord tomorrow? How are you growing spiritually on a daily basis? Will you be ready for battle when the enemy comes your way? Will you fully rely on God or will you put your faith in the world and self like King Asa did?
While there is nothing wrong with getting help from man or modern advances, this passage reminds us to place our faith in God. Hanani calls out Asa’s foolishness, “Because you relied on the king of Aram and not on the Lord your God, the army of the king of Aram has escaped from your hand (2 Chronicles 16:7). By Choosing his own way, Asa missed out on the blessing of God’s way. It was a pattern he would repeat for the rest of his life.
We don’t have to miss out on God’s blessing and help. God is our ready help. Call on Him today!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Father God, my faith is in you alone. Thank you for searching out my heart that needs strengthening and for being my ready help and guide. Remind me to always seek you first and follow you Lord. In Jesus Name, Amen.
MEMORY VERSE FOR THE WEEK:
John 6:35- Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.