[For] the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him... —2 Chronicles 16:9
This passage presents one of the most comforting truths revealed in the Word—the Mighty One always helps the weak who take refuge in Him. He helps those who cry out, “from the ends of the earth I call to you, when my heart faints. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been a refuge, a strong tower against the enemy” (Psalm 61:2-3).
Many benefit from this truth. But others learn by suffering when they do not rest in the God who saves without the need of a sword or a spear (1 Samuel 17:47), or when they grow forgetful at the time of testing. This is the story behind this glorious passage in 2 Chronicles.
The king of Israel had a great strategy to defeat Judah. Israel was corrupted and all her kings turned their backs on God. But it was not like that with Judah. There were kings who honored God, so Judah prevailed longer than the northern kingdom. In fact, Asa is presented as a man of God (2 Chronicles 15:17). However, here he is frightened by the strength of his enemies, so he seeks help from a mere man to defeat them. Jehovah reminds him that when they trusted in His strong arm, He delivered them from the very powerful Ethiopians and Libyans. God says that Asa acted “madly.” This is what we do when the strong storms of affliction make us look away from the great I Am.
Shouldn’t Asa have cried, “Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you… O great and mighty God, whose name is the Lord of hosts” (Jeremiah 32:17-18)?
Oh, child of God! He has been provision, salvation and protection for you. Recognize Him on the day of affliction and He will show you His fidelity. If you do not honor Him, and instead seek help outside of Him, remember that He is jealous and He does not share His glory. Asa's punishment was swift, yet even then he did not learn the lesson.
But you, rest in Him and comfort yourself with these words: “His eyes are attentive to you at all times to strengthen you.”
For Reflection
Who or what do you go to first for help when there is no apparent way out?
Is prayer your last resort or is it your great advantage against the strategy of the evil one?
Are you willing for God to act, and to rest in Him?