2 Chronicles 16 has an interesting story that shows the heart of God.  This chapter tells the story of Asa, a king of Israel, who took money from God’s treasuries to fund an alliance with a foreigner so as to gain political power over the king of Judah.  God spoke against this king.  He was judged; not for stealing, not even for plotting against a fellow Jew, but because he trusted in political power over God.  God, then as now, seeks people who are faithful to Him.

For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the entire earth, to strengthen those whose heart is true to him.

2 Chronicles 16:9

God is alert to people of faith and is ready, willing and able to strengthen them as they seek to serve him.  Asa was a fool.  Though God was ready to strengthen him through his dilemma, Asa did not even seek God’s will in his dilemma – He wanted what he wanted.  His heart was true, but his desires were not God’s.  This stubborn independence from God would kill Asa in the end (2 Chron 16:12).

This year will bring many highs and lows for you.  God is alert to them, knows you well, and is ready to enable you to be the person you should be.  Let your desire to serve Jesus be expressed in all your priorities, your methods, and your decisions.  God is ready, willing, and able.  Are you?

Denis Oliver