God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. (Psalm 46:1, 10, KJV)
Bringing God Our Troubles
Today, we revisit the situation when King Sennacherib’s chief of staff threatened Hezekiah, the people of Jerusalem, and blasphemed God (2 Kings 18:9-19:37). As you might recall from Isaiah’s narrative a few days ago, Hezekiah brought Sennacherib’s threat to God.
“Thus you shall speak to Hezekiah king of Judah, saying: ‘Do not let your God in whom you trust deceive you, saying, “Jerusalem shall not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.” Look! You have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all lands by utterly destroying them; and shall you be delivered? (2 Kings 19:10–11, NKJV)
There Is Help
The Psalmist wrote long ago that God is a very present help in trouble. Hezekiah and all of Jerusalem had great trouble on their hands. They didn’t have the power to stop these threats. But in God, they did have refuge, strength, and help! Notice what Hezekiah prayed.
Of a truth, LORD, the kings of Assyria have destroyed the nations and their lands, And have cast their gods into the fire: for they were no gods, but the work of men’s hands, wood and stone: therefore they have destroyed them. Now therefore, O LORD our God, I beseech thee, save thou us out of his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the LORD God, even thou only. (2 Kings 19:17–19, KJV)
Finding Peace and Assurance In God
Hezekiah found peace in God though facing trouble. The Psalmist invites us to be still and know that God is God. Did God take care of Hezekiah and Jerusalem? Yes! Will God take care of you and me? Yes—for He will be exalted in the earth! He is our help; be still and know!
Thank you for joining me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible! This devotional reflection comes from 2 Kings 18-19; Psalm 46, 80, 135.