March 29th - Take Courage

“For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.”

(2 Chronicles 16:9)

Isn’t that an amazing image to ponder? The eyes of God Himself “run to and fro throughout the whole earth” looking for us; searching for us. Why? So He can strengthen us, so He can deliver us, so we can see Him at work. What an encouragement to stand firm in the faith. What a reason to take courage!

However, His deliverance is conditional. The verse just before this verse says, “Because you relied on the Lord, He delivered” (2 Chronicles 16:8). We must choose to fully rely on Him alone. He alone is able to deliver. He alone is worthy of trust. He alone is worthy of our praise.

Let’s ask Him to again examine our hearts and commit to rely fully on Him, to put our trust in Him alone. Then we can take courage. He will deliver. The victory is His, and therefore ours through our Lord Jesus!

But for those of us who may still be pretending and have not fully turned from our wickedness, today’s Proverbs chapter begins with yet another stern warning — “Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed — without remedy.” So, let’s be careful that we are not stiff-necked, refusing to repent, or we will suddenly be destroyed — without remedy. How tragic!

Let’s thank and praise Him for His incredible promises that He searches us out in order to show Himself strong to us, so He can help us, so He can deliver us. Let’s make sure our hearts are fully committed to Him as we ask Him to fill us with courage for the battle ahead.

Today’s Action:

Let’s read Proverbs 29 together, committed to heeding its warnings so we can avoid the way of fools who are ensnared by sin. Instead, we are enabled to walk as the righteous ones, redeemed by Jesus, free to sing and be glad because of His great love for us.

“Evildoers are snared by their own sin, but the righteous shout for joy and are glad.” (Proverbs 29:6) NIV