Rely on God

Were not the Ethiopians and the Libyans a huge army with exceedingly many chariots and cavalry? Yet because you relied on the Lord, he gave them into your hand. For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the entire earth, to strengthen those whose heart is true to him. II Chronicles 16: 8-9 NRSV

King Asa of Judah relied on God to defeat his enemies. But when he became afraid of Israel because they had set up a town to prevent any more faithful from going to worship in Jerusalem, he made a treaty with them, spending money God's money that came directly from the Temple. When he did this, he not only stopped relying on God but misused God's own treasure.

You and I are often tempted to rely on ourselves rather than God. In fact, I can't tell you how many times in the past my husband and I took what should have been God's tithe and used it to pay bills! We were afraid and, rather than appeal for God's help in our situation, we tried to solve it ourselves. Although we have stopped misusing God's treasure, we still have fears and try to do things ourselves without relying on God.

But how many times has God come to our rescue? How many times does God have to prove to us that God will provide? It seems as though we can't learn this lesson often enough for it to sink in.

What are your fears? Are you tempted to solve all your problems yourself? What would happen if you appealed to God?

God, as your eyes range throughout the entire earth, let them rest on us, your faithful. May you strengthen the hearts of those who are true to you. For in you lie miracles we cannot fathom. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims