Key scripture – “In the thirty-ninth year of his reign Asa was diseased in his feet, and his disease became severe. Yet even in his disease he did not seek the Lord, but sought help from physicians.” (2 Chronicles 16:12).

The story of King Asa occupies three chapters in 2 Chronicles. In chapter 14, we see him trusting the Lord, instituting revival, and rejoicing in victory. In chapter 15, he hears and heeds the prophetic message. But several years pass, and by chapter 16 Asa wants nothing to do with the Lord. His diseased feet couldn’t find the right path.

Somehow he had lost the fire and faith of his earlier walk with God. Why? Perhaps he stopped reading his Scriptures. Maybe his life became too busy for prayer. He might have allowed resentments to fester in his heart instead of forgiveness. Perhaps he fell into sin and his conscience was gradually dulled. Perhaps he become a friend of the world, which made him an enemy of God.

“You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”? But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” (James 4:4-10).

Whatever happened, Asa serves as a warning to us. We must keep close to the Lord every day by; meeting alone with God, meditating on His Word, praying, being quick to confess and turn from all known sin. Our hearts should break when we do wrong, knowing it was our sins that nailed Jesus to the cross. We should have a tender heart that is growing warmer toward God, not colder. Ask God today for a tender conscience and a closer walk with Him.

Pray this – Our Precious Heavenly Father, I do not want what happened to King Asa, to happen to me, therefore, I return to You with all my heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning over my sin, I open my heart to You, and You will comfort me and give me “a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.” (Isaiah 61:3). I know that if I spend time with you every day, if I plant Your Word in my heart by reading and meditating on Your Word, if I am a doer of the Word not just a hearer, if I pray, and when I sin, immediately confess and turn from it, I will stay close to You. I want to abide in Jesus and Jesus abide in me. I want to be an oak of righteousness that brings glory to You. I want a closer walk with You. Like the song says, “I am weak, but Thou art strong, Jesus, keep me from all wrong, I’ll be satisfied as long as I walk, let me walk close to Thee. Just a closer walk with Thee, grant it, Jesus, is my plea, daily walking close to Thee, let it be, Dear Lord, let it be.” I seek You Lord, with all my heart, soul, and strength. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.