The Value of Continued Devotion

July 6, 2009

Uzziah was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned fifty-two years in Jerusalem . . . He did right in the sight of the Lord according to all that his father Amaziah had done. He continued to seek God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding through the vision of God; and as long as he sought the Lord, God prospered him. 2 Chronicles 26:3-5

As Uzziah sought the Lord, God blessed him in every feature and aspect of his life. Uzziah built, restored, reigned, prospered, went forth, warred, and broke down walls, and he became famous. Uzziah didn’t prosper automatically—he prospered as long as he sought God.

The phrase “as long as” comes from the Hebrew word yowm, which means “from sunrise to sunset.” That’s daily devotion—keeping Jesus continually before us from morning to night.

Hence his fame spread afar, for he was marvelously helped until he was strong. But when he became strong, his heart was so proud that he acted corruptly, and he was unfaithful to the Lord his God. 2 Chronicles 26:15b-16a

When Uzziah became strong he stopped seeking God. Through pride he became corrupt, and at the end of his life he was remembered not as a powerful king who accomplished mighty things, but as a leper. His persistent wrongdoing should be a warning, and provoke us to explore the depths of the wisdom of the riches of the knowledge of God. God is calling us to stick with this thing by constantly seeking Him. As long as we do so, He promises to prosper us.

I want everyone reading this to get the breakthrough that Jesus died to give. Start your day by reading your Bible. Turn off the TV and read even just one verse before bed. Meditate on the Word. Don’t underestimate the value of a devoted life. “For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His” (2 Chronicles 16.9).

Seek God!
Pastor Jeff Perry
St. Louis Family Church®

Copyright © 2009 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.