The Importance of Entering the Temple of the LORD

This morning I read 2 Kings 18-20 and the LORD really used it! The passage is about King Hezekiah of Judah defending Jerusalem from the King of Assyria. Here's a summary chronicle of events, as you read note Hezekiah's response to difficult situations:

• Hezekiah did what was right in the eyes of the LORD; He removed high places, sacred stones and Asherah poles (18:3&4)
  
• He trusted in the LORD (18:5)
  
• He held fast to the LORD and did not cease to follow him (18:6)
  
• He obeyed the commands the LORD gave to Moses (18:6)
  
• The King of Assyria doubts the LORD's power and asks Hezekiah, "On whom are you depending, that you rebel against me?" (18:20) He claims that he is depending on Egypt (18:21)
  
• The King of Assyria tells the people of Israel not to believe Hezekiah when he seeks to persuade them to trust in the LORD (18:30)
  
• He casts doubt and asks, "Who of all the gods of these countries has been able to save his land from me? How then can the LORD deliver Jerusalem from my hand?" (18:35)
  
• King Hezekiah tears his clothes and goes into the temple of the LORD (19:1)
  
• Isaiah tells him the LORD says not to be afraid.
  
• Hezekiah receives a letter from the King of Assyria insulting the LORD.
  
• Hezekiah goes up to the temple of the LORD and spreads the letter before him (19:14)
  
• Hezekiah prays for the LORD's deliverance.
  
• The LORD answers and says that the King of Assyria will not be able to carry out his threats against Jerusalem.
  
• That night the LORD kills 185,000 Assyrian men.
  
• One day when the King of Assyria is worshipping in the temple of his god Nizroch, his sons cut him down with swords.
  

O Lord, make me like Hezekiah. Help me to come to your temple with torn clothes and sack-cloth when I face opposition. I pray that entering your sanctuary would be the first thing that I do. Help me to rest in your sovereignty rather than being moved by every wave of doubt. Help me to trust you for big things and to rest in your promises. Help me to obey your commandments the way Hezekiah did. May it be said of me at the end of my life that I did what was right in Your eyes.