I’ll never forget the day my dad was diagnosed with lung cancer. Reality sunk in that his days were numbered and this would most likely take his life. The tumor was sitting and growing just behind his heart; therefore, it was inoperable. The doctors had told him that he had about six months to live – to begin preparing for his death. However, to our surprise, he lived another two years. When we have a fatal disease, doctors can make an educated guess about how much time we have let, but nobody can predict it. Death comes like a thief in the night – no one knows the day or the hour.

In Isaiah 38:1-20, Hezakiah was a king who became sick to the point of death. The prophet, Isaiah goes to the king and says, “Set your house in order, for you shall die; you shall not recover” (Isaiah 38:2). These words are very difficult to hear! I have never been told that; however, I know many people who have. Hezakiah does what any believer in God would do – He begins to pray. He turns away from Isaiah and begs the Lord to remember that he has been faithful in his walk with Him and has loved Him with a whole heart. “Remember now, O Lord…” (v.3). The Lord gives him another 15 years to live (v.5).

Remember now, O Lord…I believe is a prayer that I can pray every day. While it is not our good deeds that bring us our salvation, our good deeds are a response to our faith. We could possibly say, “Remember now, O Lord, how much I love you!” And, whether it is 2 more years or 15 more years to live, it doesn’t really matter…Because no matter what, it is God who is always faithful – promising us a life of eternity in the House of the Lord.

Let us pray…Gracious God, remember now, O Lord, how much I do love you. Let my actions and my deeds reflect and demonstrate that love for you. Help and guide me on this walk – showing me your ways. Amen.