S) "22 Now in the time of his distress this same King Ahaz became yet more unfaithful to the Lord. 23 For he sacrificed to the gods of Damascus which had defeated him, and said, 'Because the gods of the kings of Aram helped them, I will sacrifice to them that they may help me.' But they became the downfall of him and all Israel."
2 Chronicles 28:22-23 (NASB)
O) There isn't a lot of commentary to add to this passage, because it basically lays it all out plainly for us. Ahaz was in distress, but instead of that drawing him back to the LORD, he allowed it to be cause for more infidelity. He had no fear of the LORD, so he did not respond righteously to the discipline of God. In fact, he misunderstood what was happening, supposing that false-gods had given Damascus victory, instead of realizing that the LORD was against him because of his infidelity. .
A) Whether we have easy circumstances or hard ones, the response to those circumstances have everything to do with the posture of our hearts. If I have a wrong foundation, an unbiblical view of God as my heavenly Father, as the sovereign Creator, as the righteous Judge, then I am going to have wrong responses to His actions. God can bless me with success, ease, and happiness, and I can still have a sinful response to those blessings, if my view of Him is wrong. Likewise, if He is allowing hardships, lean cupboards, or poor health, and I have a proper view of God as a Father who disciplines those He loves, then I may have a repentant and faithful response.
P) Father, You are the only God. You are the only being that exists, who was never created. From the beginning You were holy. You are a righteous King, a good Father, a faithful Redeemer. Even when I left You, You were faithfully pursuing me. Thank You for the grace You have always shown, and continue to show to me. Your love is plainly evident to me, and I pray that my eyes remain open to recognize Your love in all that You do, and all that You allow, in my life. I only pray that Your will is done. Whether it is hardship or ease, I pray that I am able to find Your hand in every circumstance of my life. Whether there is calm or storm, I pray that I am seeking You faithfully. Do not let me be deceived by a clever enemy. Remind me that my wellbeing is only found with my Creator. Help me to be rightly disciplined in every circumstance, that I may be found as a pleasing son, a faithful steward, and a good servant. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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