Hezekiah was growing full of pride as he basked in God's favor. This allowed self-righteousness to take root, and for a time, God's active grace was withdrawn due to his complacency. This matches what happened with the Babylonians. If God withdraws His grace, even the best Christian can stumble into grave sin. On our own, the ones most passionate for Christ can become lukewarm like Laodicea, and those grounded in faith can fall into false beliefs. Those who walk uprightly may falter, swayed by evil desires.

Like the moon reflects light, we shine only when grace illuminates us. Without the Sun of Righteousness, we're in darkness. So, let's plead with God never to leave us. "Lord, don't take your Holy Spirit from us! Don't withdraw your indwelling grace!"

You have promised, 'I the Lord do keep it; I'll water it every moment: lest any hurt it, I'll keep it night and day.' Keep us always, everywhere. Keep us humble in valleys and steady on mountaintops. In youth, when our passions flare, and in old age, when we risk becoming proud of our wisdom. Guard us at life's end, so we never deny You. Guide us in life and death, in work and rest, in struggle and in peace. We need You at every turn, O God!"