For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.
2 Chronicles 16:8a
The Bible, in 2 Chronicles 16, illustrates the mistakes of King Asa that eventually led to his downfall. This narrative aligns with the scripture in Ecclesiastes 7:8, which states that the end of a matter is better than its beginning. King Asa began his reign over Judah commendably. However, his downfall serves as a warning for us to learn from his errors.
King Asa started his reign with God, his heart devoted to the Lord. Consequently, he led the entire nation of Judah back to God. They sought the Lord with all their hearts and found Him. King Asa regularly assembled the people to offer sacrifices to the Lord. He led a godly life pleasing to God in action and words.
However, the tide turned when Baasha, the king of Israel, attacked Judah. Instead of seeking the Lord for victory against his enemy, King Asa sought help from humans. He not only abandoned God for Ben-Hadad but also took precious silver and gold from the treasuries of the Lord’s temple and his palace and sent them to Ben-Hadad, the king of Aram. King Asa sought a treaty with humans at the expense of his relationship with God. By presenting treasures from God’s temple to Ben-Hadad, Asa metaphorically replaced God in his heart with Ben-Hadad.
Fearful of losing a battle, he dishonoured God and honoured another human being like himself. King Asa forgot all the victories God had given him in the past, withdrew his trust from God, and placed it in an ordinary man. Meanwhile, God, in His mercy and loving-kindness, sent Hanani, the seer, to rebuke the king and call him to order so that he could return to God.
The verse we’re focusing on today was part of the seer’s words to King Asa. It serves as an important lesson for us even today. God is committed to strengthening and protecting those whose hearts are fully committed to Him. When a man trusts in the Lord and rests in His promises, God makes it His responsibility to watch over such a person and keep them from all harm.
It’s important to note that King Asa not only dishonoured the Lord but also interfered with God’s plan to destroy the king of Aram. According to God’s plan, Asa was meant to emerge victorious in the battle if he had trusted in the Lord. This is a constant reminder for us as believers today to continuously keep our eyes fixed upon the Lord in whatever situation we find ourselves in. There is no battle too great for God. When you have God, you do not need a backup plan.
In conclusion, the reality is that God is all you need. If you wholeheartedly rely on Him and trust in His direction for your life, He will lead you, guide you, and instruct you in the way you should go. God will give you victory over all your enemies because He is able to do so. Whatever the battle or challenge, trust God and trust in His plan. Seek Him first, and let Him be all that you ever see. With God, you are more than a conqueror.
