2 Chronicles 14:1-7: a reflection

1So Abijah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in David’s city; and Asa his son reigned in his place. In his days, the land was quiet ten years. 2Asa did that which was good and right in the LORD his God’s eyes, 3for he took away the foreign altars and the high places, broke down the pillars, cut down the Asherah poles, 4and commanded Judah to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, and to obey his law and command. 5Also he took away out of all the cities of Judah the high places and the sun images; and the kingdom was quiet before him. 6He built fortified cities in Judah; for the land was quiet, and he had no war in those years, because the LORD had given him rest. 7For he said to Judah, “Let’s build these cities and make walls around them, with towers, gates, and bars. The land is yet before us, because we have sought the LORD our God. We have sought him, and he has given us rest on every side.” So they built and prospered.

King Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD: he removed the idolatrous altars and images, and commanded the people to seek the LORD and obey his law. And the result was rest: the land was quiet, and Asa said, The land is still ours, because we have sought the LORD our God; we have sought him, and he has given us rest on every side. Seeking God had brought peace, and in that peace Asa wisely built and strengthened his cities.

Notice the connection Asa saw between seeking God and finding rest. He had turned the nation to seek the LORD, removing what dishonored him and calling the people back to God; and God gave the land rest and quiet on every side. Asa understood that the peace they enjoyed was not merely good fortune, but the fruit of seeking God; and he used the time of rest wisely, to build and prepare, rather than growing complacent.

That connection is worth pondering. Much of our unrest, our lack of peace, is bound up with a life turned away from God, cluttered with the idols and distractions that crowd him out. But seeking God, and removing what dishonors him, brings a rest that the pursuit of other things never gives. Seek God wholeheartedly, and let him give you rest; clear away the idols and distractions that steal your peace, and turn to him. And when God gives you rest, use it wisely, as Asa did, to build and strengthen, rather than sliding into complacency. The rest that comes from seeking God is a gift; seek him for it, and steward the peace he gives.

Lord, Asa did what was good in your eyes, removing idolatry and calling the people to seek you, and you gave the land rest on every side; he understood that the peace they enjoyed was the fruit of seeking you, and he used the rest wisely to build and strengthen. Help me see that connection. Much of my unrest, my lack of peace, is bound up with a life turned away from you, cluttered with the idols and distractions that crowd you out. But seeking you, and removing what dishonors you, brings a rest that the pursuit of other things never gives. Help me seek you wholeheartedly, and give me your rest; help me clear away the idols and distractions that steal my peace, and turn to you. And when you give me rest, help me use it wisely, as Asa did, to build and strengthen, rather than sliding into complacency. Thank you that the rest which comes from seeking you is a gift; help me seek you for it, and steward the peace you give.