Reading through Old Testament books like Chronicles can be a bit challenging at times, but interspersed within the lists and names of kings and their deeds and misdeeds are some wonderful hidden gems that deserve a second glance.

During my morning devotions, I found one such hidden treasure. It entails King Asa, who initially did what was “good and right in the eyes of the Lord” by purging the nation of foreign gods. But later in his reign, he came under attack from King Baasha of Israel. Instead of trusting God to help him, Asa turned to the king of Aram for assistance (paid him off with gold and silver, so to speak).

The Lord sent a prophet (seer) to Asa who voiced His displeasure, sighting that in years past, the Lord had delivered many armies into Asa’s hand. Then he told Asa, “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” (2 Chronicles 16:9)

Despite these words of wisdom, Asa grew angry and refused to put his trust in the Lord. His final years as King of Judah were plagued by war and disease. What a vivid image of how important it is to rely on God’s strength rather than our own!

To finish strong, it’s essential we stay connected to God. What a blessing it is to know the Lord is roaming the earth seeking to strengthen and comfort those who are fully committed to Him! The moment we turn our eyes from the Lord and place our trust in ourselves or others, we begin to spiral downward, away from the safe-haven of His love and protection.

It’s my prayer that whatever I write–whether it be a devotion, an article, short-story, or novel–will point others to Christ. Sometimes I catch myself plunging ahead, forgetting to begin my day with prayer. It’s then I have to remind myself that my words and efforts are nothing without Him.

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17

~ How do you stay grounded in the Lord amid the storms and temptations of everyday life?

**Read how God works in the lives of Cynthia’s characters in her Inspirational, Historical Romance (Prairie Sky) Series.

UNDER THIS SAME SKY ~ BOOK ONE

~ She thought she’d lost everything ~ Instead she found what she needed most ~

Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES ~ BOOK TWO

~ Beyond shattered dreams lies a realm of possibilities ~

**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter. Read more of her writing at: Putting on the New Blog.