Christian Living

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Asa, The King of Judah’s first 10 years of reign was peace. He had cleansed Judah of all Idolatry and God had given him rest. He was able to take the time of rest and strengthen Judah’s military power defense for the city. They had built fences around the cities of Judah and developed a strong army in preparation for battles against any enemies.

In 2 Chronicles 14:9-15, we read that the battles did indeed come to Judah. It is estimated that it is during this time that Psalms 77 was written by Asa. Within this Psalm, we get a sense of the fear and worry that King Asa had because of this coming battle in such words as: “In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: my sore ran in the night, and ceased not: my soul refused to be comforted. I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah. Thou holdest mine eyes waking: I am so troubled that I cannot speak…”(verses 2-4)

As Christians, troubles come. Even if you do all you know to do that is right as Asa did by cleansing Judah and restoring worship to God in Jerusalem, the enemy (Satan) will rise up against you to try you. Asa was prepared. He had not used his time of rest unwisely. He had strengthened his people and prepared them for battle. We should be careful to use our time of peace and rest in the Lord wisely as well. We need to be vigilant to prepare ourselves with the spiritual armor. We need to strengthen ourselves in God’s word which is our sword. We need to build fences around our souls and the high places in our hearts to keep any sin or temptation from taking them over.

Asa did the right things. He was prepared and when the battle came, he fell on his face to plead to God for help. He did not stand tall and arrogant saying: “Bring it on, we are ready for you. I have built fenced cities and I have built a mighty army.” He did not stand arrogant in his own successes. He realized he was still a man in need of God’s mercies and help to win the coming battles. “And Asa cried unto the Lord his God, and said, Lord it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O Lord our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O Lord, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee.” 2 Chr. 14:11

He knew to be strengthened, he had to keep his eyes on the greatness of God and he did this by remembering the victories God had given them in the past and began to offer praises to God for those victories. (Ps. 77) Because of Asa’s dependence on God and not on his own strength’s God gave him the victory. “So the Lord smote the Ethiopians before Asa, and before Judah; and the Ethiopians fled.” 2 Chr. 14:12

Our heavenly Father seeks a people who will know that only through and by Him can we be victorious. He desires our dependence upon Him in and for ALL things in our life. No matter what comes our way, humbly bowing before God and asking for His help will bring the answers and the victories every time. With God on your side, you cannot lose except you fail to put ALL your trust in Him.

God bless you this day and may you remember to let God lead you through a victorious life.

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