Mercy for the humbled

It's been a week since summer break has started, and also since my baptism! Praise the good Lord for all that He has done in my life, transforming my heart from a rebelled, broken, sinful one to one that is renewed, full of hope for the future and one that trusts in the strength of my Saviour. 

Ever since the holidays have started, it's been non-stop doing doing doing. I've struggled to find time to quieten my heart and read His word. Today, I finally have a day at home to organise my thoughts and just spend time with God. 

Just some thoughts for today's Bible reading from 2 Chronicles 12. 

'After Rehoboam's position as king was established and he had become strong, he and all Israel with him abandoned the law of the Lord. Because they had been unfaithful to the LORD, Shishak king of Egypt attacked Jerusalem in the fifth year of King Rehoboam.' (v1-2)

My first feeling was sadness. How abandoned God must have felt when His people decided they didn't need Him anymore. Then, I felt convicted because I realised that this situation is painfully familiar in my life. How many times have I prayed with all my heart when the storm gets really bad, but when the skies finally clear, I revert to my old ways of half-heartedly reading His word, struggling to spend time with God because my eyes are so fixed on earthly things. 

Then the prophet Shemaiah came to Rehoboam and to the leaders of Judah who had assembled in Jerusalem for fear of Shishak, and he said to them, "This is what the LORD says. 'You have abandoned me; therefore I now abandon you to Shishak.'" The leaders of Israel and the king humbled themselves and said, "The LORD is just." (v5-6)

When the LORD saw that they humbled themselves, this word of the LORD came to Shemaiah: "Since they have humbled themselves, I will not destroy them but will soon give them deliverance. My wrath will not be poured out on Jerusalem through Shishak. They will, however, become subject to him, so that they may learn the difference between serving me and serving kings of other lands." (v7-8)

When I realise my sinfulness in light of God's holiness, I am humbled and convicted. I am reminded that when we turn back to the Lord, He has mercy and grace for the humbled. The Lord relented against the destruction of His people, but still allows them to endure suffering, serving kings of other lands. I know that it is going through these sufferings and trials that will make me grow deeper in my trust and love for God and stronger in my faith. I will know the difference between serving God and serving the things of this world, because things of this world are fleeting and will always fail me, but God is the only one who satisfies and gives true joy. 

Lord, humble my heart. I pray that you will open my eyes to see your glory and that I need your mercy every single day. I pray that you will remind me of your faithfulness and mercy for me, when I feel guilty and convicted. I pray that through any trials in front of me, you will draw me closer to your heart. In Jesus' Name, Amen.