Take It To The Lord In Prayer
BRD REFLECTIONS:
2 Kings 19:1-37 and Psalm 104:24-35 (NIV)
(Tan Hai Chuang, Assistant Leader, Zone 8 SGM)
READ:
2 Kings 19:1-37 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
We have read in 2 Kings 18 that in the 14th year of Hezekiah’s reign as king of Judah, the army of Sennacherib, king of Assyria marched against and captured all the fortified cities of Judah. Despite Hezekiah giving up all the gold and silver that was found in the Temple and in the treasuries of the king’s house, the Assyrian army continued to lay siege to Judah and threaten its people. Judah was in a dire crisis.
In 2 Kings 19, King Hezekiah did 3 things:
- He humbled himself and went into the temple of the Lord;
- He sought God’s word through the prophet Isaiah;
- He trusted and depended on God for Judah’s deliverance.
God answered Hezekiah’s earnest prayers. The Assyrian army was routed and killed, and Judah was saved.
APPLY:
- Hezekiah’s initial response to give up Judah’s gold and silver to Assyria did not work. Often, when I encounter significant problems at work or in life, my initial inclination is to try and resolve the issue with my own strength. But this often brings frustration and failure.
- Instead, like Hezekiah, in times of trouble, I need to humble myself, lean not on my own understanding, but “take it to the Lord in prayer”.
- God our Heavenly Father loves and cares for me deeply. He will deliver me from my crises and problems. The battle belongs to the Lord.
DO:
- Even though God has given me a good intellect and problem-solving skills, I must still always seek God’s wisdom and guidance, as I approach each problem and crisis.
- I must let go of my inclination to be in control, and let God take charge.
- When I align my will with God’s will, I experience His peace even during trials, a peace that surpasses all understanding.
PRAY:
“Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged. Take it to the Lord in prayer.”
Father God, when there are trials and crises, teach me to depend not on my own abilities, but in Your infinite wisdom and guidance always.
As I learn to trust and obey You more each day, may my deeds and words be aligned more and more with Your will and purpose. Fill me with Your heavenly peace even in my times of distress and need.
Amen.
