2 Chronicles 16:9a
“For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.”
You may have heard the story of the young man who was ardently pledging his love to a young woman. He wrote to her: “My dear, I would climb the highest mountain for you! I would cross the widest river for you! I would fight a cage full of lions for you! That is how much I love you. I will be by to pick you up on Friday, if it doesn’t rain.”
We might be amused at the inconsistency of one that professed much but demonstrated little. I am sad to say how very much like that we are with the Lord. We are quick to proclaim our undying love for Him, yet spend virtually no time in prayer or reading His Word.
The passage of Scripture today concerned Asa, the king of Judah who had experienced unexpected victory over his enemy when he relied upon the Lord. However, later on when a new emergency arose, rather than returning to the Lord and asking for His help, King Asa took silver and gold from the temple and sent it to the king of Aram to ask for his help against the forces attacking Israel. The emergency was averted but God’s judgment fell; Asa would always be at war.
We may be critical of King Asa, but think of the number of times we rely upon lending institutions, counselors, or helpers of all sorts rather than calling upon the name of the Lord. God calls us to trust in Him and let Him bring the victory!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil