July 1

2 Kings 18:13-19:37, Acts 21:1-17, Psalm 149:1-9, Proverbs 18:8 



Pray: It seems nearly impossible for King Hezekiah to avoid losing heart and becoming discouraged. Is there something in your life causing you to lose heart, to become discouraged, or to doubt? Go to God in prayer like King Hezekiah did. Ask God for direction, but also don’t be afraid to ask God for courage. Ask God to move and fight for you. And trust His Word, as Hezekiah heard the Word of the Lord through the prophet Isaiah and trusted Him.

Read: The Psalmist pleads, “O people of Jerusalem, exult your King” and rejoice in your Maker. How do you see this common desire of God and those faithful to Him through the entire daily reading?

Edify: It’s tough to hear the boasting of a proud enemy. It’s tough for God’s people to hear those hostile towards God mock Him and demand their own way. The great king of Assyria says to the people of Jerusalem, “What are you trusting in that makes you so confident?...Who are you counting on, that you have rebelled against me?” (2 Kings 18:19b-20). It’s so easy to lose our temper (and eventually our witness in our reactions), and it’s easy to lose hope. Paul and the Psalm’s response to difficulty contain so much beauty in light of overwhelming odds. Paul asks them to stop weeping because he is ready to die for the sake of Jesus. The Psalmist looks at difficulty in this life and invites us to “sing,” “praise,” “exult,” “dance,” and “rejoice.” We remain strong as we remain in relationship with God through worship, prayer, and the Scriptures just as Hezekiah responded.

Practice: Take the thoughts captive that have been initiated by mocking and hostile voices. Submit them to the Lordship of Jesus Christ through ongoing prayer, singing, and Scripture meditation today. God’s people, EXULT YOUR KING!