“Even during this time of trouble, King Ahaz continued to reject the Lord. He offered sacrifices to the gods of Damascus who had defeated him, … but instead, they led to his ruin and the ruin of all Judah. The king took the various articles from the Temple of God and broke them into pieces. He shut the doors of the Lord’s Temple so that no one could worship there, and he set up altars to pagan gods in every corner of Jerusalem… In this way, he aroused the anger of the Lord, the God of his ancestors.”

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭28:22-25‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Even during trouble, the King continued to reject the Lord. 

Even then. 

How many times have my words of complaint about what is happening closed the door to worship in my heart? How often have I “destroyed” His presence or His people with bitter words? Too often I fear. 

The choice boils down to this: Lash out or lean in. It’s the option I have every time I am faced with adversity. I can either lean into what G-d has for me – regardless of how uncomfortable it is – or I can lash out – grasping for false gods, destroying articles of worship (when I complain about the church), and shutting the door of His to His presence (allowing my heart to become cold, bitter, and angry). 

When I think back to uncomfortable seasons, too often I’ve lash out instead of leaning in. Too often I’ve questioned His goodness and doubted His Word instead of sitting silently in meditation and worship. 

What I really want is for my testimony to be: even during THIS time of trouble, I embraced the Lord and took Him at His word. I chose trust over doubt and joy over grief. Even when it is (fill in the blank), I worshipped. 

Even when. 

No matter what. No matter when. May I choose Him even then. 

Father – thank You for Your Word and Your sustaining grace over my life. Help me to trust You more. You are good and You keep doing good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen. 

Daily Reading: 2 Chronicles 28, 2 Kings 16-17

July 15, 2022