The prayer of the Unbeliever

 Read 2 Kings 13. 

Every one of Israel's kings during the divided kingdom period proved to be evil.  So, God "continually" used the Syrians to discipline them for their false worship and wicked behaviors.  Jehoahaz cried out to the LORD for help "and the LORD listened to him." (v.4) 

God sent an unnamed person to bring about the deliverance of Israel in answer to the king's prayer.  The people were spared.  They experienced a time of peace.  Everyone went back to their own homes. 

But spiritually, nothing changed.  The Asherah was a tree or a pole dedicated to the worship of the sea goddess.  Often, she was deemed a cohort of other mythical gods, including Baal. 

Jehoahaz' prayer appears to be like the so-called soldier's foxhole prayer: "God if you will get me out of this, I will do whatever you want."   Then, once the pressure is off, any promises made to the LORD are quickly forgotten.  How easily God is often blamed for the stressing and not given credit for the blessing! 

Someone once said, " In good times people play.  In bad times people pray."  God is not an exit door "to be used only in case of an emergency". 

It is an incredible reality that the God of heaven desires a personal and constant relationship with each of us. 

Jesus said, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."  (John 11:28)