How can we ensure our actions align with God's will like Jehoshaphat's? Snapshot of Jehoshaphat’s Legacy “Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, from first to last, they are written in the chronicles of Jehu son of Hanani, which were recorded in the Book of the Kings of Israel.” (2 Chronicles 20:34) Key Traits That Kept Jehoshaphat in Step with God • Heart set on seeking the LORD (2 Chronicles 17:4; 19:3) • Passion for cleansing the land of idolatry (17:6) • Commitment to teaching God’s Word to the people (17:9) • Immediate resort to prayer and fasting when danger struck (20:3–4) • Reliance on worship as spiritual warfare (20:21–22) • Willingness to correct course after alliances that displeased God (19:2) Practical Steps for Us Today 1. Pursue Scripture daily – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) – Schedule unhurried reading; ask, “What does this reveal about God’s heart?” 2. Cultivate single-minded loyalty – Remove any modern “idols” that compete for affection (entertainment, possessions, relationships). – Evaluate habits through the lens of 1 Corinthians 10:31. 3. Seek God first in crises – Replace panic with prayer: Philippians 4:6–7. – Invite others to pray and fast with you, following Jehoshaphat’s example. 4. Lead with worship – Begin and end each day acknowledging God’s sovereignty. – Use songs rooted in Scripture; they reinforce truth and guard the mind. 5. Submit plans for divine review – “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will act.” (Psalm 37:5) – Before decisions, pause and ask the Spirit to confirm or restrain (Romans 8:14). 6. Remain teachable and correctable – Welcome godly counsel like Jehu’s rebuke (2 Chronicles 19:2–3). – Measure every counsel against the Bible; keep what aligns, discard what doesn’t. Scriptures to Keep Close • Proverbs 3:5–6 – Trust and direction • Romans 12:1–2 – Living sacrifice and renewed mind • James 1:22 – Active obedience • 1 Thessalonians 5:17 – Continual prayer • Psalm 32:8 – God’s promise of guidance Encouraging Takeaway Jehoshaphat’s story shows that aligning our actions with God’s will is not a single decision but a lifestyle of seeking, submitting, and adjusting. Stay anchored in the Word, quick to worship, and eager to obey, and your everyday choices will steadily echo heaven’s purposes. |
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