Isaiah 37:16
Good to Consider When We’re Anxious and Praying
Who do you call on when you’re anxious and scared and it seems there is no one who can help you? Who do you call out to when you’re powerless to change a situation? Those times have a way of humbling us. Whereas we may have been too busy to pray, we suddenly find we’re continually praying. We’re calling on God, crying out to Him. Such was the case with King Hezekiah when Sennacherib, King of Assyria, threatened to overtake Jerusalem. Hezekiah prayed and prayed hard. Listen to his prayer:
“O LORD OF HOSTS, the God of Israel, who is enthroned above the cherubim, You are the God, You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. Incline Your ear, O LORD, and hear; open Your eyes, O LORD, and see; and listen to all the words of Sennacherib, who sent them to reproach the living God. … Now, O LORD our God, deliver us from his hand that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You alone, LORD, are God.” Isaiah 37:16-17, 20
Needless to say, Hezekiah didn’t want to be defeated. He didn’t want Jerusalem to be taken over by an enemy. But his prayer also points to A NOBLE REASON to pray for God’s deliverance – so people know that the LORD is God of all the kingdoms of the earth. When we pray, do we pray only for ourself? Or, are we praying so that God is glorified in and through our situation?
LORD of Hosts who is enthroned above the cherubim, we worship You and recognize You as God alone of all the kingdoms of the earth. Your will be done in our hearts and lives so You are glorified.
Praise to the LORD of HOSTS
“O LORD OF HOSTS, the God of Israel, who is enthroned above the cherubim, You are the God, You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth.
Who do you call on when you’re in distress, when the world is caving in around you, and there is no one who can help you? Who do you call out to when you’re alone and powerless to change a situation? Those times have a way of humbling us. Whereas we may have been too busy to pray, we suddenly find we’re continually praying. We’re calling on God, crying out to Him. Such was the case with King Hezekiah when Sennacherib, king of Assyria, threatened to overtake Jerusalem. Hezekiah prayed and prayed hard. Listen to his prayer:
“O LORD OF HOSTS, the God of Israel, who is enthroned above the cherubim, You are the God, You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. Incline Your ear, O LORD, and hear; open Your eyes, O LORD, and see; and listen to all the words of Sennacherib, who sent them to reproach the living God. … Now, O LORD our God, deliver us from his hand that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You alone, LORD, are God.” Isaiah 37:16-17, 20
Needless to say, Hezekiah didn’t want to be a defeated king. He didn’t want Jerusalem to be taken over by an enemy. But his prayer also points to a noble reason to pray for God’s deliverance – so people know that the LORD is God of all the kingdoms of the earth. When we pray, do we pray only for ourself? Or, are we praying so that God is glorified in the situation?
LORD of Hosts who is enthroned above the cherubim, we worship You and recognize You as God alone of all the kingdoms of the earth. Rule in our hearts and minds so You are glorified through our lives.
NEWS: On July 10, Harvest House Publishers released my updated Prayers of My Heart prayer journal. I received an early copy and God led me to begin a #AttitudeOfGratitude movement. I encourage you to get a copy, proceeds benefiting Hill Country Ministries 20 year mission to spread the Word & Love of Jesus. Click to Watch the Live Video where I explain 7 Reasons to Journal, how to get the most out of journaling, and how to join the #AttitudeOfGratitude movement. Debbie Taylor Williams LIVE