Tuesday, March 25 2 Chronicles 32:7

This battle is not for you to fight; take your position, stand still, and see the victory of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you.

ALWAYS BY MY SIDE

These are the words spoken by King Hezekiah when the armies of Assyria, the dominant kingdom at the time, were camped at the doorstep of his kingdom in Jerusalem. Certainly, these were bold words given the gravity of the situation.

As I read about this king, I learned that Hezekiah succeeded his father Ahaz. During Ahaz`s reign, the temple doors were nailed shut and idolatry was rampant. Hezekiah was very different from his father. He was a friend of Isaiah`s and had strong faith in the Lord. During his time as king, Hezekiah had the pagan altars and temples destroyed and the doors to the temple reopened.

When the Assyrians came to conquer, Hezekiah prayed to the Lord, and the Lord answered his prayer. When the Assyrian troops awoke in the morning, they saw multiple dead bodies. The remaining troops quickly packed up and left.

Sometimes I think we interpret a verse like this to mean God will help the faithful win all their battles. As we know, that can`t be the case. No matter how hard we pray for a sick friend, financial stability, or even an end to war, those prayers aren`t always answered in the way we`d like them to be answered. Sometimes the answer to our prayers is no. But it is reassuring to me that no matter what “battle” I am facing, the Lord is always there with me. As I`ve lost loved ones to sickness and death, God has been with me to help me navigate it. As I went through my divorce, once again, God was there.

It reminds me of a song my mother and I would sing:

“We ain`t got a barrel of money, maybe we`re ragged and funny,
but we`ll travel along, singing a song, side by side.”*

Each day and every battle, I know I am not alone. God is always by my side.

Gracious God, I am often disappointed when my hopes and prayers go seemingly unanswered. Please help me to remember that even in the darkest times, you never leave my side. Amen

Susayn Brandes

*“Side by Side” lyrics © Reservoir Media Management Inc.

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