Day 120 - 2 Chronicles 13-17, Psalm 120

In 2 Chronicles 13, king Abijah of Judah faces off against king of Israel in a major battle. Though outnumbered, Judah has stayed true to the Lord and God gives them victory.

In 2 Chronicles 14, Abijah’s son Asa becomes king and brings a time of peace to Judah. We see foreigners attacking Judah, but trusting in god gets them out of trouble yet again.

In 2 Chronicles 15, the prophet Azariah encourages Asa to stay faithful. In a response to this call, Asa makes extensive reforms. Asa’s own grandmother loses her royal position for promoting idolatry, showing revival takes courage.

In 2 Chronicles 16, Sadly, Asa’s faith falters in his later years. Instead of relying on God in a military crisis, he makes a political alliance with a foreign king. The prophet Hanani confronts him, but Asa becomes angry. Even when Asa becomes ill, he seeks human help and not God. This reminds us that finishing well matters just as much as starting strong.

In 2 Chronicle 17, Asa’s son Jehoshaphat takes the throne and walks in the ways of David. Again and again, we see the kingdom of Judah put effort into removing idols and restoring a relationship with God. His reign is marked by peace and respect from surrounding nations.

Psalm 120 is the first of the Songs of Ascents, this one sounds like someone who is fed up with lies and conflict and just wants peace. It’s an honest prayer for help when you're surrounded by drama.