Seeking God Always

Imagine always having the exhilarating confidence that you're on the right path! Sounds incredible, right? The story of Asa brilliantly underscores the power of seeking God's guidance at all times.

In 2 Chronicles 15, we dive into the inspiring tale of Asa, a King of Judah. Ascending the throne after his father Abijah, Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord! He removed the high places and incense altars throughout Judah, built fortified cities, and enjoyed a decade of peace, all because the Lord granted him rest. Asa even faced Zerah the Ethiopian with an army of about 580,000 men against Zerah's million-strong force and 300 chariots!

What did Asa do?

Asa cried out to God for help, and God answered! Asa recognized his need for divine assistance to overcome his enemies, choosing not to rely on his own strength. In his time of trial, he prayed fervently, surrendering the battle to God. And guess what? God granted him a stunning victory over Zerah and his mighty army!

11 And Asa cried out to the Lord his God, and said, “Lord, it is nothing for You to help, whether with many or with those who have no power; help us, O Lord our God, for we rest on You, and in Your name we go against this multitude. O Lord, You are our God; do not let man prevail against You!”

12 So the Lord struck the Ethiopians before Asa and Judah, and the Ethiopians fled. 13 And Asa and the people who were with him pursued them to Gerar. So the Ethiopians were overthrown, and they could not recover, for they were broken before the Lord and His army. And they carried away very much [a]spoil. 2 Chronicles 15:10-13

After this triumphant victory, the Spirit of the Lord empowered Azariah to prophesy to Asa. He assured Asa that the Lord was with him as long as he remained with God. Seek the Lord, and you will find Him; forsake Him, and He will forsake you.

And he went out ^[a]to meet Asa, and said to him: “Hear me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin. The Lord is with you while you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you. 2 Chronicles 15: 2

Before Asa's reign, the Israelites lived without a true God, a teaching priest, or a law, resulting in turmoil and conflict. God urged Asa to be strong and undaunted, promising that his efforts would be rewarded.

In his quest to truly please God, Asa banished abominable idols, renewed the Lord's altar, and gathered everyone in Jerusalem for a grand sacrifice. They entered a covenant to seek the Lord wholeheartedly, and as a result, God granted them peace, with no more wars until the 35th year of Asa's reign.

¹² Then they entered into a covenant to seek the Lord God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul; ¹³ and whoever would not seek the Lord God of Israel was to be put to death, whether small or great, whether man or woman. ¹⁴ Then they took an oath before the Lord with a loud voice, with shouting and trumpets and rams’ horns. 2 Chronicles 15: 12-14

What happens when we stop seeking God?

In chapter 16 of 2 Chronicles, Asa turned to human help instead of trusting in the Lord as he had before. He allied with Benhadad, king of Syria, to break an alliance with King Baasha of Israel, using treasures from the Temple and palace as persuasion. Though Benhadad agreed and attacked Israel's cities, Asa's actions displeased the Lord.

This led the prophet Hanani to deliver a stern message from God:

 And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said to him: “Because you have relied on the king of Syria, and have not relied on the Lord your God, therefore the army of the king of Syria has escaped from your hand.

⁸ Were the Ethiopians and the Lubim not a huge army with very many chariots and horsemen? Yet, because you relied on the Lord, He delivered them into your hand.

⁹ For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. In this you have done foolishly; therefore from now on you shall have wars.” 2 Chronicles 16: 7-9

Asa had shifted his focus from God to man, forgetting the earlier message to seek and not forsake the Lord. His heart turned away, and he lost God's favour.

Was Asa repentant after Hanani's message?

Sadly, Asa was not repentant. He imprisoned the prophet in anger and began to oppress some of his people. In his 39th year as king, he suffered from a severe foot disease but still did not seek the Lord's help, relying on doctors instead. He died two years later and was buried.

What does it mean to seek the Lord?

To seek God wholeheartedly means recognizing that your life is not your own. Galatians 2:20 proclaims, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."

Seeking God involves living a God-centered lifestyle, prioritizing Him in every decision, relationship, and aspect of life. 1 Chronicles 16:11 encourages, "Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually." It's about taking deliberate steps to grow closer to God, building a daily relationship with Him. Asa's failure to maintain his connection with God led to a life outside of divine favor, resulting in destruction.

Why should we seek God?

2 Chronicles 15:2 promises, "If ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you." James 4:8 adds, "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double-minded."

Here are some amazing benefits of seeking God:

1. All-around rest

   King Asa and the Israelites enjoyed peace and rest when they entered a covenant to seek God wholeheartedly. Seeking God brings tranquillity and relief from life's troubles.

2. Access to divine presence

   Building a relationship with God through time spent in His presence grants us the joy of His divine companionship. As 2 Chronicles 16:9 reveals, God eagerly seeks those who yearn to know Him.

3. Victory and breakthrough

   Asa's victory in battle came when he sought God's help. Trusting in God over man ensures favour and success, demonstrating our faith in His superior will.

4. Growth in faith

   The Psalmist declares in Psalm 68:1, "O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water." Engaging with God through scripture, prayer, praise, and sermons enhances our faith.

5. Fulfilling our God-ordained purpose

   Jeremiah 1:5 states, "Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee: and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations." God has a glorious destiny for each of us, and drawing closer to Him helps us walk in that purpose, guided by His instructions.

How do You Seek God?

God is omnipresent, meaning He is everywhere. So, how do you seek Him? Not by writing a letter or booking a flight, but by seeking Him with all your heart and mind. Jeremiah 29:13 promises, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

1. Be born again. Believe that God sent Jesus, His son, to die for your sins and accept Him into your life as your Lord and Saviour.

2. Commit to building your faith. Spend daily, uninterrupted time reading your Bible, studying, meditating, and praying.

3. Decide to prioritise His kingdom. Commit to advancing God's word in every area of your life.

4. Embrace a God-first lifestyle.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, please give me the grace to seek You every day. May I always walk in Your ways and do Your will in all areas of my life. In Jesus' name.