Today's Readings: New Testament -
John 19:28-37
1 Thessalonians 5:12-28
Old Testament -
Psalms 143
2 Chronicles 13-16
Click on Text Links to Read Online
Focus Verses:
2 Chronicles 16:9-12
9 "For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war." 10 Asa was angry with the seer because of this; he was so enraged that he put him in prison. At the same time Asa brutally oppressed some of the people. 11 The events of Asa's reign, from beginning to end, are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel. 12 In the thirty-ninth year of his reign Asa was afflicted with a disease in his feet. Though his disease was severe, even in his illness he did not seek help from the LORD, but only from the physicians.
Insight:
When Asa faced problems he knew were too big for him to handle, he turned to the Lord for help. When there was nothing to do but cry out to God, he prayed with the best of them. But when the problem seemed like something he could handle on his own, he failed to ask God for help. He cried out to God for deliverance from an overwhelming army he had no chance of defeating (2Chr. 14:11), and was delivered. But when he faced lesser enemies, he formed alliances with other kings and failed to pray. When he got disease in his feet, he turned to physicians and failed to pray.
Asa's problem was not that he formed alliances or sought physicians, but rather that he did those things and failed to turn to God at all. There's nothing wrong with seeking help or taking action, but it's a mistake to seek help from everyone but God, or to depend entirely on your own strength.
The eyes of the Lord are upon those who hearts are committed to him. God is ready and able to strengthen his people. God's people should always look to him first for help and support.
Response & Action:
Whether the problem I face is big or small, I will look first to God for the strength and guidance I need. Prayer is not the last thing I can do; it's the first and best thing I can do. What is it that I've been failing to talk about with God? What worry, challenge, or problem am I facing in my own strength? Who or what am I turning to instead of turning to God?
O God, you have promised to be my help and strength. You are a shield about me. You are a very present help in times of trouble. You are my hiding place. Your eyes are always upon me and you are always ready and able to rescue. Forgive me for the times I put my trust in something other than you. Remind me of your faithfulness. As I give you thanks and call for help, may your peace guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. It's in his name that I pray. Amen.
Spiritual Formation Verses: Psalm 40:11-13
11 Do not withhold your mercy from me, O LORD; may your love and your truth always protect me. 12 For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me. 13 Be pleased, O LORD, to save me; O LORD, come quickly to help me.
Resources:
Living the Lord's Prayer: The Way of the Disciple
by Albert Haase O.F.M.
