“How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. Don’t let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin.”
Psalm 19:12-13
Psalm 19:14
The armies of Assyria taunted the people with questions concerning their God; ‘What are you trusting in that makes you so confident?’ (isaiah 36:4) taunting them with lies; ‘Do you think we have invaded your land without the Lord’s direction? The Lord Himself told us, Go and destroy it!’ (isaiah 36:10)
As soon as King Hezekiah heard this report from his officals he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth (a symbol of mourning) and went into the Temple of the Lord to pray. (isaiah 37:1)
When Isaiah heard the message about the Assyrian armies he gave them a message for Hezekiah; “This is what the Lord says: Do not be disturbed by this blasphemous speech against Me…I will make him want to return to his land, where I will have him killed.” (isaiah 37:6,7)
Hezekiah then received a letter from the Assyrian king who continued to taunt Hezekiah; ‘Don’t let this god you trust deceive you with promises…’ It was personal, he was taking cheap shots at the Lord Almighty.
So after reading this letter…Hezekiah went up to the Lord’s Temple and he spread it out before the Lord and prayed, ‘O Lord Almighty, God of Israel, You are entroned between the mighty cherubim! You alone are God of all the kingdoms of the earth You alone created the heavens and the earth…” He continued his prayer with specific petitions to the Lord…he laid it all out before the Lord. As we should do in tough situations…lay it all out before the Lord, and then step back and watch what He will do.
Missed something? Read the entire journey here…
