2 Chronicles 16.9a (Fully Committed?)

The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. [2 Chronicles 16.9a]

The context in which this often-quoted verse is found is Asa's tainted faith in God alone.

Asa, when confronted with military attack, reached out for external help rather than going first to God.

Oh, it was brilliant plan alright. And, it worked. However, God was not pleased because Asa had not operated in faith, but instead operated in knowledge (even made what appeared to be a good decision by all accounts). Asa missed the chance to not only win a battle, but also to win the war. The prophet Hanani brought the message of bad news to Asa. Here is the full verse:

The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. What a fool you have been! From now on you will be at war.” [2 Chronicles 16.9]

So, Asa repented... NOT! Asa did what so many do when confronted with their personal pride that chooses not to trust God but rely on their own knowledge and wisdom, he got mad at the messenger (put Hanani in prison in stocks).

It is no surprise then, as Asa aged, that he became diseased in his feet and died from it:

In the thirty-ninth year of his reign, Asa developed a serious foot disease. Yet even with the severity of his disease, he did not seek the LORD’s help but turned only to his physicians. [2 Chronicles 16.12]

But going to the doctor is okay, right?

< crickets >

Father, I want to trust You alone. If I err in this, let it be known that I erred trusting You too much rather than too little. Let my heart be called "fully committed" to You.