A Tale of Two Kings

2 Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.

2 Chronicles 20:12 We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.

            King Asa of Judah was off to a good start. He did what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God (cf. 2 Chronicles 14:2). But somewhere along the way he began to trust more in his own abilities than looking to God for wisdom and guidance. It was then that Hanani came to King Asa with the reminder than when he relied on the LORD his God things went well, but the developing problems were a result of relying on self. The message for us today is that we do well to remember our Heavenly Father strengthens all those whose hearts are fully committed to him.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)  Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

            And now we explore the example of our second King, Jehoshaphat, who oddly enough had a rough and rocky beginning. This time it was Jehu who came with the warning that the wrath of the LORD was on King Jehoshaphat, yet there was still good to be found in him (cf. 2 Chronicles 19:2-3). King Jehoshaphat’s response is one we would do well to remember today. When life seems hard, painful, with difficult challenges obscuring our path—when we don’t know what to do—keep our eyes on the Lord our God.

Deuteronomy 4:29 But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Thank you for your written word and the example of these two kings—one with a good start, but who turned away from you toward self—the other with a rough start who learned to seek you. At times we find ourselves in similar situations and your Word brings us hope. We ask forgiveness for our attitudes of self-sufficiency. May we turn to you and seek you with all that we are and all that we have. As we keep our eyes on you; show us the right paths to take.

            In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.

 

The devotional A Tale of Two Kings appeared first on Write From My Heart at writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com