King Hezekiah became ill, and the prophet Isaiah told him it was God's time for him to die. We all have to leave this world sometime, but the prophet's declaration was too difficult for Hezekiah to accept. So the praying king prayed one more time, this time simply for his own life. Amazingly, God seemed to change his mind, and gave Hezekiah a promise of 15 more years and a sign to accompany it. God hears humble and earnest prayers, even prayers for ourselves.

After his recovery, Hezekiah wrote a song of praise. He expressed the anguish he felt in his soul, then confessed God's good purpose even in his suffering (17). He now understood that God gives us life so that we may praise him and tell his goodness to the next generation (19). May we also view life as a gift from God, and turn our sufferings into good fruit to declare God's praise.


Application: Father, thank you for the gift of life you have given me. Help me use the years I have remaining to praise you.
One Word: Alive to praise God