Faith Not Fear
BRD REFLECTION 2025
2 Chronicles 29; 30 and Psalm 96:1-13 (NIV)
(Frances Lim from Small Group Ministry)
READ:
2 Chronicles 29; 30 and Psalm 96:1-13 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
In the closing verses of the preceding chapter we see Judah in trouble. As King Ahaz grew more and more terrified he turned away from the God of his father David and made sacrifices to pagan gods, thinking that if they helped others they would help him. King Ahaz closed down the Temple and ended worship to the God of Israel.
King Hezekiah faced the same threats to his nation but responded very differently. In the first month of the first year of his reign he set about reinstating temple worship in Judah. His clear priority was to restore the relationship with God. He believed that when he turned back to God, God would turn his anger away from Judah. So he opened and cleaned up the temple, enlisted the Levites to consecrate themselves and the priests began performing the sacrifices. Because it all went so smoothly, everyone rejoiced as they believed that God was pleased with them. Next, the Passover was observed. Things were not done exactly according to the way they should have been but Hezekiah prayed to God, asked Him to see the intention and God was gracious. At the end of the chapter we read that there was great joy in Jerusalem and their prayers reached God’s holy dwelling place!
APPLY:
I really wonder how King Hezekiah stayed so faithful to God. He certainly did not learn it from his father! One can only think that his mother, Queen Abijah, must have been a positive influence on him. We know that his name means ‘Strengthened by the Lord’ so although the Bible doesn’t say much about her, scholars believe that she molded his faith.
How do I respond in the face of fear? Is God useful only when I am doing well and discarded when things get tough? Is my faith strong enough for me to turn back to God completely and set right things that may have been overlooked? Is God truly my security in times of trouble?
DO:
When I am afraid, I tend to get very stressed and feel panicky. This does not result in calm and patient prayers. But by now I should know that God has seen me through so many years and situations and He will be faithful to the end. I need to tell myself to calm down. I must remember who I am talking to. The words of Psalm 96 give me some vocabulary to ‘Declare His glory’ and ‘remember His marvellous deeds’ (v3). Even in times of tribulation there is room for joy that God indeed reigns! (v10) Then I must set things right with God and confess my faithlessness and attempted self sufficiency. I need to ask for faith to arise so that I can trust God wholeheartedly.
PRAY:
Dear God, in Your Holy Word You tell me that You have not given me a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind (2 Tim 1:7).
I pray that I will emulate King Hezekiah, repent and throw myself upon Your grace and mercy trusting that You will get me through whatever situation I am currently in. I also want to emulate Queen Abijah and set a godly example to all within my social circle, especially my children and grandchildren. May my light shine before men so that they will see my good deeds and glorify You! (Matt 5:16)
In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
