Read 2 Chronicles 16:1-14
Now we know why Asa’s peaceful rule abruptly changed in his final years. He didn’t turn to God first. That’s kind of an “oops” moment for me knowing there are plenty of times in my life so far that I’ve trusted worldly advisors first before turning to God. I’m quite sure I’m not alone. How many opportunities have I missed out on because my focus wasn’t right?
King Asa teaches us a great lesson here, one he probably didn’t even see as a teachable moment. Did Asa think that God was always “automatically” going to be with him? I think that’s partly my issue. I forget to ask before I jump because I know God is going to catch me. But why not soar with God instead?
The seer, Hanani opened Asa’s eyes to the very hard truth. Asa did not want to admit he had failed, much less that it was because his faith had wavered. What a shocking response by the king to put God’s messenger in jail! Is that like sticking your head into the sand?
Our takeaway should be to listen to Hanani’s wisdom. He had told Asa, “The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” I can’t imagine the LORD has stopped searching. How committed is your heart?
Had the years of a calm, peaceful rule left King Asa complacent or over-confident? Had he forgotten his great victory was also God’s doing? Are we overlooking God’s fingerprints on our lives?
God pays attention. We know that. Even Jesus told the story about the birds and the flowers and how much God cares. So that we don’t worry, Jesus said, “Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” (Matthew 6:26-27.)
I don’t know about you, but I’m thankful for God’s attentiveness. We can cling to the peace that comes from trusting in God’s interest in our lives.
Let’s pray. LORD, thank you for how you clothe the flowers of the field and care for me, too. Your ability to see into the lives of your people is hard to fathom. The heavens and all of creation bow down to you. I fall to my knees in worship overflowing with gratitude for how you care for me. Help my first response always be to turn to you in good times and bad. In Jesus’ name. Amen
