To and Fro, Throughout the Whole Earth

2 Chronicles 16:9 NKJV
For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. In this you have done foolishly; therefore from now on you shall have wars.”

God searches the entire world for opportunities to show Himself. But according to this verse, He will show Himself strong for those with loyal hearts.

So what does this mean? For God to use you and shine through you, you have to be strong? That’s what I think it means. But the NIV makes me wonder: “For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war.” This version makes it sound like strengthening hearts more than shining through them.

So now comes the obvious question. Why do we care if God strengthens the loyal hearts, or shines through the loyal hearts, or whatever?

The ‘Why do we need God to strengthen us?’ is pretty self-explanatory, I think. Strength comes from God. He works through people (us). So by strengthening us, He gives His witness about Himself.

The ‘shining through loyal hearts’ part is a little trickier. But for others to want God, they have to know who He is, and for the most part, they learn who He is by our behavior.

In His Service,
Joyce