The eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. 2 Chronicles 16:9
The Rocky movies tell the story of a raw boxer, fueled by never-say-die determination, who overcomes improbable odds to become heavyweight champion. In Rocky III, a now successful Rocky becomes impressed with his own achievements. Television commercials disrupt his time in the gym. The champ grows soft, and he’s knocked out by a challenger. The rest of the movie is Rocky’s attempt to regain his fighting edge.
In a spiritual sense, King Asa of Judah lost his fighting edge. Early in his reign, he relied on God in the face of daunting odds. As the mighty Cushites prepared to attack, Asa prayed, “Help us, Lord our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this vast army” (2 Chronicles 14:11). God answered his prayer, and Judah struck down and scattered their enemies (vv. 12-15).
Years later, Judah was threatened again. This time a complacent Asa ignored God and instead asked the king of Aram for help (16:2-3). It seemed to work. But God wasn’t pleased. The prophet Hanani told Asa that he’d stopped trusting God (vv. 7-8). Why hadn’t he relied on God now as he had then?
Our God is unfailingly reliable. His eyes “range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him” (v. 9). When we keep our spiritual edge—fully depending on God—we’ll experience His power.
As you age, is it easier or harder to trust your heavenly Father? Why do you think that is? How might God strengthen your faith?
Dear Jesus, may I rest in You more each day.
INSIGHT
Before Israel entered the promised land, God gave specific instructions for their kings. In Deuteronomy 17:14-17, Yahweh prohibited Israel’s rulers from gathering horses from Egypt, marrying many wives, and accruing much gold. It’s an odd list of prohibitions, but they were methods foreign kings used to protect their land. Horses for war, foreign wives to form treaties, and gold to buy off enemies.
But Asa went further. He didn’t just buy off Ben-Hadad with his own gold; he emptied the temple storehouse of silver and gold (2 Chronicles 16:2-3). He’d stopped trusting that God—not gold—would protect his people.