“For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him. --2 Chronicles 16:9, NIV
Have you ever heard a Bible teaching that you’d call a game changer—a truth that so radically altered your understanding of faith that you would never be the same again? In today’s 5 Minutes in the Word, we look at one of my all-time favorite scriptures. I put it firmly in my “game changer” category because it transformed my understanding of God and my relationship with Him.
I vividly remember the first time I heard this scripture in a sermon at church. New to my faith, and wavering in my affection, there was a tug-o-war battle going on in my heart. Would I fully commit my life to Jesus or would I stay “one foot in and one foot out” of the world? Honestly, my heart was divided. Part of me knew, without a doubt, that Jesus was better, but my old sinful nature and the enemy tempted me to hold on to the old. I was not “completely His.”
Enter 2 Chronicles 16:9.
When I first heard the pastor read the verse, I didn’t believe him. I actually scoffed. The idea of God being “for me” was beyond my comprehension. Then I opened my Bible, found the text and let the words seer my heart. God wanted me, all of me, and nothing less. Reading the words slowly and deliberately to myself, this truth penetrated my soul: God not only wanted a relationship with me, but if my heart were fully committed to him, then there would be great reward!
A fully committed heart not only pleases God, but it puts us in a place of favor with Him. I don’t know about you, but I want to be one of God’s favorites. For the first time, I saw complete surrender as a good thing. This word paints an image of the Lord searching to and fro, looking to find that heart that is undivided and in love with Him. This type of heart pleases the Lord. It moves Him to act on our behalf. The Lord loves to help, defend, provide, protect and plead the cause of the child of God who is “completely His.” How beautiful is that?
Friends, let me just testify that there is nothing in this world that can begin to compare with the favor of God. Fifteen years later, I can tell you one thing: this verse is TRUTH! The more I’ve given my whole self to Jesus, the more I’ve experienced the goodness, the support and the power of God at work on my behalf. I wouldn’t trade His favor for anything! And friends, this is His desire for every one of His children.
Wherever you are right now, if you’re reading from your phone or the comfort of your home, stop and pray. Tell God, “I’m all in!” Or, if you recognize that your heart is not fully committed, then confess and ask Jesus to change your heart. He is able to take our divided hearts and make them fully His, just offer yours up to Him anew today.
