LIFE WITHOUT GOD

II Chron. 15:3-4  “For a long time, Israel was without the true God, without a priest to teach them, and without God’s laws.  But whenever you were in distress and turned to the LORD, the God of Israel, and sought him out, you found him.”

The prophet Azariah continued his discourse with King Asa and here he simply told it like it is.  Israel had gone a long time without God in her life.  The people had gotten cozy with the gods of the pagan people around them.  They had bought into the lies that these gods could do anything for them and were worthy of being worshiped.  They had forsaken the Lord.  It got to the point where the very voices of the priests were silent.  No one had risen to the task of being spokesmen for God. 

Yet, in spite of their rebellious and stubborn hearts, whenever tough times came upon them and they cried out to the Lord for help, they found Him.  It is so sad that so many wait until they are in desperate need and have nowhere else to turn to before they turn to the Lord.  Why would God even listen to such cries?  Why would He care about a people who give Him only lip service until they are in trouble?

God is a god of great compassion.  He longs to help those who turn to Him.  He tolerates our rebellion and stubbornness in the hope that we will turn to Him.  Even though we forsake Him, He does not forsake us.  He knows the heart of man and understands the affect sin has on us.  He knows that the darkness of the soul keeps us away from Him.  Yet, He forever shines His light on the earth.  He always hears the heart cry of those who call out for Him.  He forgives us of our sins and softens our hardened hearts.  He does not hide himself from those who seek Him.

Give thanks and praise today for God’s love, mercy and grace.  Thank Him that He is full of compassion and forgives all who seek Him out for the forgiveness of their sins.  Thank Him for this great salvation we are privileged to live in, though we don’t deserve one ounce of it.  Thank Him for He never lets us get away with sin but keeps calling us back to Him.  Thank Him for He never leaves or forsakes those who love Him.