How do we keep first things first? Follow Hezekiah’s example. When he received threatening news, he took the letter and spread it out before God. He used it to shape his prayer. God answered dramatically in a manner only he could take credit for. Go first to God who always has the final word. 

Hezekiah’s prayer begins first with an acknowledgment of who God is (verse 15). This places everything following in its proper context. 
* God sits enthroned above all things.
* He alone is God.
* Every kingdom falls under his authority.
* He created the heavens and the earth.
* He bends down and listens to our prayers. (See also Psalm 116:1, 2.)
* He sees what we are going through and the necessary solution. 
* He hears the threats breathed against us.
* He knows the limitations of our adversaries.
* He is not threatened by the puny gods of men’s imaginations. 
* When he rescues us from evil, everyone everywhere sees how good he is. 
* When he intervenes on our behalf, everyone everywhere sees that he alone is God.

That’s good praying. 

God heard and answered his prayer. He spoke through the Prophet Isaiah to the humbled King Hezekiah and the arrogant King Sennacherib of Assyria. (See verses 20-37. 

Which king was still standing at the end of the chapter? The one who humbly bowed before God. The one who looked at his threatening adversary through the lens of our Father in heaven. When we see God for who he is, we see his challengers for who they are. 

How are you looking at your problems today?

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I will take my problems and fears to God in prayer.

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Our Father, you are Great, and they are small. There is nobody and nothing as good as you. There is no rival, no threat, no ruler who can stand against you victoriously. You alone are God. Empower us to always see our problems through our deep and abiding relationship with you. Amen.