God’s constant presence with the Israelites was marked by a cloud by day and fire by night, symbolizing His unwavering commitment to be with His people, a presence that continues today through the Holy Spirit.

The prophet Hanani's rebuke to Asa highlights the importance of maintaining unwavering faith in God, as his eyes are always searching for those who rely wholeheartedly on him.

Through the Holy Spirit living in us we experience God taking us by the hand and keeping us. We watch daily as our former ways of sin fade and our new life in Christ emerges as we submit each day to the lordship of Christ.

We must lean fully on the Lord and lean into our faith so that our steps are aligned with God.

“God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land.” And sometimes he chooses a longer route for us, too.