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Respite For the Weary
The three previous ABC posts I have written are: Quiet my Questioning Heart, Rest with Him-Run with Him, and Stand Steady in His Strength. Today's post is: Totally Trust the Truth.
Totally Trust the Truth? Synopsis of 2 Chronicles 15:1-5; 16:1-9; 12.
Long ago, King Asa ruled over the nation of Judah. For most of his reign, he did good and right in the sight of the Lord. He removed foreign altars and high places from the land. As a result, God's blessing of peace was on the nation during this time. However, in the 36th year of Asa's reign, Baasha, King of Israel, planned an attack against Judah. For some reason, instead of turning to the Lord first to seek help, King Asa sought to make an alliance with an earthly king, Ben-hadad of Aram. Asa chose not to trust the truth that God was the Almighty One who could and would fight for His people. As a result of this decision, wars began and continued for the duration of Asa's reign.
Totally Trust the Truth! Synopsis of 2 Chronicles 20:1-28.
After Asa died, his son Jehoshaphat became the king of Judah. King Jehoshaphat loved the Lord and sought to keep His commandments. At one point in his reign, enemies from all sides were coming upon Judah. King Jehoshaphat was frightened by these strong armies, so he turned his attention to seek the Lord. He brought the people of Judah together in order to fast and pray. God spoke to them through a prophet, "You need not fight this battle, stand and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf." Instead of fighting, God told the people to worship Him with praise through music and song; they were to totally trust the truth that God would deliver them from the enemies. The people obeyed, and God's hand was victorious on the battlefield on their behalf.
When I look at King Asa and King Jehoshaphat in the midst of their battle decisions, here are a few questions:
Do I tend to try to figure things out by myself before I seek the Lord for help?
Who am I asking for advice in a confusing situation? Are they wise?
What practical way can I implement "seeking the Lord first" in heated situations? (Notice, the people of Judah sang worship songs!)
Why is it that we tend to first exhaust all our human resources during crisis mode before we remember to turn to the Lord and seek His help? We must remember, He is the One who is in control; He is the One who has all the answers; He is the One who can defeat anything that we are up against! Because of these truths, HE IS THE ONE to turn to!
I want to seek Him first!
Lord, please help me turn to You and totally trust the truth of Your word. Give me songs in my heart, songs of praise and adoration, songs of hope and deliverance. And as I sing, I will watch expectantly with full assurance that You are fighting for me as I am trusting in You. Amen
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved--and that by God. Philippians 1:27-28
Dear Lord,
We thank you that whatever happens on this earth, good or evil, all believers in Christ have eternal salvation with you. Help us to stand firm "as one man" believing in this promise. You are the Victor over life, over death, over all. Amen.