"Now the rest of the acts of Asa, along with all his might, all his accomplishments, and the cities he built, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? In his old age, however, he became diseased in his feet." vs23

Old men can sin against God. They have been faithful all their lives, but become lifted up in pride, self-importance, and become weary of the gospel. We must keep our eyes upon Jesus Christ, not any man. Paul rebuked Peter, and we must take the Scriptures above every man.

First, if we take the Scriptures, then it will be well for us, because God will back them up! We will never trust Christ and fail, or depend on Him and falter! He is utterly reliable, and if our CONFIDENCE IS IN THE LORD, then it is well placed.

“This is what Sennacherib king of Assyria says: What is the basis of your confidence, that you remain in Jerusalem under siege?” [2 Chron 32:10]

Let us have no confidence in man but trust in God always. He will never let you down or let you slip. He will never mess up or forget! He will never desire to help and fail. He is absolutely certain in saving mercies, and He gives the true peace - the fruit of the Spirit.

Secondly, God makes you happy and not man. Our life is not lived from the outside but within; it is not in the circumstances but in God the Holy Spirit. He gives joy and peace; He gives assurance in things that matter, like reconciliation to God, forgiveness, and power over sin.

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” [Rom 15:13]

These are the great things of communion with God, and His love is greater than wine.

Seek the kingdom first, and you’ll have what matters.

The good things are what God reserves for those WHO CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT HIM [Luke 11:13]. If you can go without God, then you will! If you can’t and trust Him for the Spirit, then He will give, even though you are dead in your flesh and depraved within.

Thirdly, God is a God of grace. He chastens, but He forgives, and He overlooks transgressions. If we repent, then He’ll receive us. If Asa had repented, then God would receive Him.

Yet, forgiveness only comes through repentance.

“and in His name repentance and forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem.” [Luke 24:47]

God can keep us, while diseased in our feet, but He’ll only draw near through repentance.

Don’t hold onto your transgressions and don’t be proud. Don’t have an attitude that refuses correction. Humble yourself, and He will lift you up.