Focal Passage: II Kings 19:10-19, 32-34
A friend of mine began a new diet and asked for accountability when we went out for meals.
After a couple of weeks, I ran into him with a dozen donuts. I grinned and asked if donuts were part of his diet. He said, “Well, I came around the corner of the donut shop and I told God, if He wanted me to buy donuts to have a parking spot in the front. On the eighth time around, there it was!”
I’m encouraged that we can converse with God about the daily stuff of life. But it’s also encouraged in Scripture that we approach God in a state of humility and helplessness.
In chapter 19, we find the prayer of Hezekiah as he faces a crisis. When praying, pastor Tony Merida suggests a helpful tool that fits Hezekiah’s prayer. It’s the acrostic, TRUST:
T – take it before the Lord (II Kings 19:14). As Hezekiah takes the Sennacharib’s threatening letter and spreads it out, it appears to be a physical demonstration of laying his burden before God. He makes his requests known to God (Phillipians 4:6). Approaching God in a state of helplessness is what God loves to hear. What keeps us from approaching God in this way? Could it be that we rely too much on our abilities or methods of persuasion? We are wise to use all those things, but as Jesus reminds us in John 15:5, “Apart from me, you can do NOTHING!”
R – recognize the greatness of God (II Kings 19:15). Hezekiah prays with adoration and awe at the magnificence and majesty of God. He affirms the nature of God and the undisputed power of God immediately. By recognizing who God is and who we are in light of that, sometimes our arrogance or ignorance against God can keep us distant from Him. But just as often, our prayerlessness is rooted in a low view of God. As we approach God in all His glory, it’s right to feel unworthy, but because we can come to Him by grace, we should never feel worthless.
U – unload the problem to God (vv. 16-18). Hezekiah’s prayer includes a lament. It’s not so much a complaint against God, but an authentic assessment of his challenging situation and his lack of power and wisdom. Instead of complaining to others, unload the burden on the only One capable of carrying it!
S – seek the help of God (v. 19a). As Hezekiah lays before the LORD his burden, his plea becomes one of deliverance! He showcases again his desperation and believes God will provide. As my young boys come to me when they’re in distress, they don’t hold back! I teach them that they shouldn’t quit trying some things. But as their father, I have enough discernment to know what may be beyond their ability.
T – treasure the glory of God (v. 19b). This is something we often forget in our petitions. At the end of his prayer, Hezekiah teaches us that God’s glory is immeasurably significant. Although his burden is great, there’s no hint of a request that is self-serving. He asks that God would be glorified and all the kingdom of the earth would know He is God!
This is a simple prayer we can practice in our own circumstances. Prayer doesn’t eliminate the need for our own efforts and responsibility, but we must also realize there is only One who can save and satisfy! B&R