Your Father’s eyes ∙∙
The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. – 2 Chronicles 16:9
2 Chronicles 15:2-7
2 Listen to me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin: the LORD is with you when you are with Him. And if you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you.
3 For many days Israel was without the true God and without a teaching priest, and without law.
4 But in their distress, they turned to the LORD God of Israel, and they sought Him, and He let them find Him.
7 But you, be strong and do not lose courage, for there is reward for your work.
Throughout history, people, families, groups, kingdoms, and nations have joined forces to achieve mutual benefits. Successful collaborations rely on meticulous planning, wise decision-making, and genuine cooperation. There are five critical strategies for success: a shared goal or vision, prudent investment of resources, clear expectations and execution, complete trust, and adaptability over time to changing circumstances.
Unlike any other partnership, a strategic alliance with the Father is unique because it is solely for our benefit. Humanity was intelligently designed by the Father to find ultimate fulfillment and satisfaction through alignment with Him and complete reliance on His guidance. The Father seeks to form alliances with children of the King. He seeks seekers.
How do we live wisely in our dark and fallen world?
The Scriptures are rich with informative stories, wisdom, prophecy, history, and doctrine. The Word of God is a guidebook, an owner’s manual for life on planet Earth. It provides instructions on how to live wisely in a fallen world. We could spend our whole lives studying the Father’s Word and barely scratch the surface.
1 Corinthians 10:11 These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age.
“Everything in the Scripture exists for our example, warning, and admonition. We are to note what God’s people did in the past and how God reacted to them in order to move ahead in our own walk of faith” (Stanley).
Romans 15:4 Everything was written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.
The Old Testament Scriptures offer guidance, inspiration, motivation, and hope. By learning from historical events, we equip ourselves to tackle present challenges and look forward with hope to the future.
One notable figure is King Asa of Judah, Solomon’s great-grandson, who initially aligned himself with the Father and enjoyed His favor. At the start of his reign, Asa’s heart was devoted to the Father, and he thrived.
2 Chronicles 14:2 states, “Asa did what was pleasing and good in the sight of the LORD his God.”
Unfortunately, Asa later broke his alliance with the Father and instead sought protection through a coalition with Syria. Although Ben-hadad, of Syria, was a valuable ally for a short while, the partnership was unstable and ultimately failed. Asa’s experience serves as a powerful lesson for all children of the King.
The Father is a seeker. The Father is always searching for those who are willing to trust Him. He is ever-ready to assist those who seek Him. Every child of the King can take comfort in knowing that as we pursue God, He will empower us, providing the strength and capabilities needed to fulfill the responsibilities and assignments He sets before us.
2 Chronicles 15:2 assures us, “The LORD will stay with you as long as you stay with him! Whenever you seek him, you will find him. But if you abandon him, he will abandon you.”
The Father is wholly committed to every child of the King, intricately involved in every aspect of our lives. His care is marked by profound, loyal love, and He desires to strengthen and support each of us.
REFLECT & PRAY
The Father watches and waits for us. His support is permanent. He is not there for us only in times of need. His commitment is unwavering and extends beyond mere moments of crisis.
Father, it is so easy to waver in our trust and devotion. Even when I understand the truth, I behave like a fool and acted unwisely. Father, encourage me to immerse myself in Your Word, meditate on it, and remain steadfastly aligned with You.
INSIGHT
2 Chronicles 16:9 reveals, “The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”
The Father delivers all who seek, find, and commit to Him. However, to enjoy fully what the Father promises, we must continually be fully committed to Him. If we falter in our commitment, His magnificent promises slip beyond our grasp.
That was precisely what King Asa failed to do. He was not consistent. He lapsed. He acted the fool and did what was right in his own eyes. He was confronted and pronounced a fool. He suffered the consequences. Instead of peace and safety, the rest of his reign would be marked by discontent and war.
Understandably, Asa turned to what was tangible. Rather than remaining faithful to the Father, the unseen eternal God of heaven, Asa limited his vision to what he could see. He chose to rely upon a human king.
1 Chronicles 28:9 Learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the LORD sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him.
Paul compassionately reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 that even though our bodies may be facing challenges and weariness, our spirits are being renewed each day. He acknowledges the weight of our struggles, saying in verse 17 that while our present troubles may feel overwhelming, they are ultimately minor and temporary. It’s heartening to know that these difficulties are shaping us for glory that far exceeds our current pain and will endure for eternity.
In verse 18, he encourages us not to fixate solely on the visible troubles surrounding us, which can often feel consuming. Instead, He gently urges us to turn our gaze towards the unseen, enduring promises of hope and love that last forever. It’s a comforting reminder that while the trials we face may be challenging, they are fleeting, and there is so much more that awaits us beyond our current circumstances.
“The contrast between seeking and forsaking is strong. They are two modes of life. One yearns for God and is devoted to him with a whole heart and delighted soul . . .. This expresses the integrity of a person’s life. A dedicated life finds peace and joy in serving God. The other, however, yearns for something or someone else. It forsakes God to serve other gods. Solomon is given this fundamental choice – the choice we all have – of seeking or forsaking God” (John Mark Hicks).
Are you a seeker or a forsaker? Choose wisely!
¯_(ツ)_/¯6-14-1
© Dr. H 2024
Dr H Reflections 