This Month’s Reading Plan at a Glance: July

What’s Bothering You?

Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid nor dismayed before the king of Assyria… With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God, to help us and to fight our battles. 2 Chronicles 32:7-8

One of my favorit devotions is found in this month’s readings! King Hezekiah sets a wonderful example of how to react to burdensome news.

Just look around - there is a lot we can find burdensome these days. But its comforting to remind ourselves, there’s nothing new under the sun. Way back in Hezekiah’s day, Israel had much to be bothered about as well. But King Hezekiah knew what to do when his heart was burdened.

King Hezekiah was being taunted and Israel’s faith ridiculed by the Assyrians. The story here is an amazing one and tremendously encouraging…

The king of Assyria sent messengers to stand at the gate of Jerusalem and brutally mock and call into question Israel’s faith and God’s ability to protect them. Israel stood and listened, but did not respond, even though their hearts were troubled. The king of Assyria sent a letter along with his taunters. King Hezekiah’s response is awesome! He took that letter and his heavy heart to the temple (2 Kings 19:14) and “spread it out before the Lord”.

We hear a lot of taunting today from the world around us. Our society continually calls into question God’s ways, His power, and certainly His authority. Hezekiah’s response should be ours! Take it to the temple –before His throne of grace (Heb.4:16). Jesus himself encouraged us in these things...

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33

Well, as always, God showed Himself strong on Israel’s behalf and Hezekiah never had to fight against the king of Assyria. God sent angles into the Assyrian camp that night and there was no longer an enemy for Hezekiah to worry about.

Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid nor dismayed before the king of Assyria…With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles… 2 Chronicles 32:7-8

Amazing! God watches over us and we can cast all our cares on Him, because He does care! So like the old song goes: Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the thing of earth will grow strangely dim in light of His glory and grace.

Pick up His Word and read of His mighty deeds!

Download July's Reading Plan