What steps can we take to seek God instead of turning away? A Cautionary Snapshot: Ahaz’s Choice “In the time of his distress, King Ahaz became even more unfaithful to the LORD.” (2 Chronicles 28:22) Ahaz let hardship push him further from God. This verse warns us: pain can either drive us to the Lord or harden us against Him. Let’s choose the first path by taking intentional, practical steps. Step 1: Admit the Crisis and Turn Toward the Lord • Own the situation; blame-shifting keeps us stuck (Psalm 32:5). • Run to God, not from Him: “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8) • Remember His open invitation in every trial: “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you.” (Psalm 50:15) Step 2: Humble Confession and Repentance • God promises cleansing when we confess (1 John 1:9). • Repentance is more than words—turning from sin to obedience (Proverbs 28:13). • Contrast with Ahaz, who multiplied sin instead of repenting (2 Chronicles 28:23). Step 3: Immerse Yourself in Scripture • God speaks concretely through His written Word, which is “living and active” (Hebrews 4:12). • Daily intake guides our steps: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) • Read, meditate, and memorize; this reorients the heart away from rebellion. Step 4: Seek God in Prayer and Worship • Pour out your heart honestly—He invites bold access (Hebrews 4:16). • Praise shifts focus from distress to His greatness (Psalm 34:1-3). • Worship softens hard places the way Ahaz’s idol-feasts hardened his own. Step 5: Surround Yourself with Godly Counsel • Wise friends help us keep seeking God (Proverbs 13:20). • Church community provides teaching, correction, and comfort (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Isolate like Ahaz, and idols will fill the vacuum; walk with the faithful, and perseverance grows. Step 6: Obey Promptly and Persistently • “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” (James 1:22) • Small steps of obedience train the heart; delayed obedience feeds drift. • God blesses those who keep His statutes—see the contrast in Hezekiah, Ahaz’s son (2 Chronicles 31:21). Step 7: Remember God’s Faithfulness Daily • Rehearse His past mercies: “This I recall to my mind, and therefore I have hope.” (Lamentations 3:21-23) • Gratitude fuels continued seeking; forgetfulness breeds distance. • Keep a journal of answered prayers and Scripture promises so discouragement can’t rewrite your story. Living It Out Hardship doesn’t have to harden. Admit the crisis, repent, cling to Scripture, pray and worship, lean on godly companions, obey right away, and rehearse His faithfulness. By these Spirit-empowered choices, we move toward the Lord instead of repeating Ahaz’s tragedy—and we discover that He is already moving toward us. |
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