2 Chronicles 15 mentions that the heart of Asa, king of Judah, was "perfect all his days." Yet that same chapter also hints that, under Asa's reign, some paganism remained (verse 17). So the word "perfect," in that chapter, certainly means something far short of God's perfect standard, as the subsequent chapter appears to indicate.
Turning then to chapter 16, we see that, once confronted with political and military threats, Asa shows signs of spiritual weakness. Rather than relying on God's protection, he instead turns to join forces with Syria. A prophet then comes to Asa, chastising him for not relying on God (verse 7). And the prophet reminds Asa of other times when Asa correctly put his trust in God, and God, in turn, delivered Judah from trouble (verse 8, KJV),
Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubims a huge host, with very many chariots and horsemen? yet, because thou didst rely on the Lord, he delivered them into thine hand.
The prophet then warns that, because of Asa's misplaced faith, trouble will ensue (verse 9, KJV),
Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.
Evidently, Asa did not learn his lesson. He soon acquires a foot disease, but (verse 12, KJV),
...in his disease he sought not to the Lord, but to the physicians.
The overarching theme was that Asa was placing his trust in earthly sources, when his first consultation should have been with God. The whole narrative is disturbing because, circling back to chapter 15, Asa's heart is described as "perfect," but, even so, sin crept in.
So what does this mean for those of us who definitely fall far short of "perfect"? It means that, first, we must make a better effort to consult God whenever confronted with trouble. Second, it means that, when we inevitably slip, we must appeal to God's abundant mercy, and turn back to his protection.
