July 1

Open Your Eyes, Lord

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 143:1-6 | 2 Kings 18:13-19:37 | Acts 21:1-16 | Proverbs 18:8

Today’s Scripture Focus: 2 Kings 19

Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers and read it. Then he went up to the temple of the LORD and spread it out before the LORD. 15 And Hezekiah prayed to the LORD: “LORD, the God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. 16 Give ear, LORD, and hear; open your eyes, LORD, and see; listen to the words Sennacherib has sent to ridicule the living God (2 Kings 19:14-16 NIV).

Hezekiah was one of the rare good Kings of Judah that followed the LORD. The LORD blessed and prospered his reign. Yet, this does not mean that his reign was completely free from trouble. Following the LORD in no way means a trouble free life. 

The problem that Hezekiah faced was the impending attack of the king of Assyria. Assyria had already attacked and defeated the Northern Kingdom, now they were on the door of Jerusalem and threatening attack.

Hezekiah was confident that the LORD would deliver the people of Judah from the hands of Assyria. The Assyrian king sent a commander to try to get the people of Judah to doubt the LORD and to live in fear of the impending attack of Assyria. The commander began to taunt the LORD God much to the dismay of Hezekiah.

Hezekiah soon after receives a message from the commander of the Assyrian army with further threats and taunts. How would Hezekiah handle this trial of his faith? He spreads out the message before the LORD and he cried out to God in prayer.

The Prophet Isaiah sends God’s answer to King Hezekiah and reassures him that God has heard his prayer. The threats of Assyria were empty threats. They had no reason to fear.

How do you handle a trial of your faith? How do you handle the taunts of the enemy? Hezekiah sets a great example. Lay out the problem before the LORD and cry out to him in prayer. He hears and he will answer.

Father, I don’t know what to do. I need your wisdom and strength. I lay out my problems before you and cry out for your to answer. Please guide me, empower me, help me. Amen.