What actions can we take to align with God's will like Josiah? Josiah’s Promise of Peace “Therefore I will indeed gather you to your fathers, and you will be buried in peace. Your eyes will not see all the calamity that I will bring on this place.’ ” So they brought the answer back to the king. — 2 Kings 22:20 Why God Spared Him • 2 Kings 22:19 records that Josiah’s heart was tender, he humbled himself, tore his clothes, and wept before the Lord. • God heard him because he responded to Scripture with repentance and obedience. Actions That Align Us with God’s Will Rediscover and Revere God’s Word • Make room daily for Scripture. (2 Timothy 3:16; Acts 17:11) • Read it as literal truth and final authority. • Let it expose sin and direct choices. Respond with Heartfelt Humility • Allow God’s Word to break pride. (Psalm 51:17) • Admit wrong quickly; come low before Him rather than defend yourself. • Keep a “tender heart” that stays sensitive to conviction. Repent and Remove Every Idol • Examine life for habits, possessions, or relationships that compete with God. • Tear them down as Josiah demolished the high places. (2 Kings 23:4–14) • Replace them with practices that honor the Lord. Renew Covenant Obedience • Decide, as Josiah did, “to keep His commandments… with all his heart and all his soul.” (2 Chronicles 34:31) • Write out specific steps of obedience the Spirit highlights. • Review them regularly until they become lifestyle. Seek God’s Counsel First • Josiah sent to inquire of the prophetess Huldah; we have immediate access through prayer and Scripture. • Trust God over human strategy. (Proverbs 3:5-6) • Weigh every decision against the clear teaching of the Word. Lead Others Toward Faithfulness • Josiah gathered the nation to hear the Book; influence your family, church, and community. • Share insights, model obedience, invite others to follow. • Encourage mutual accountability so reforms take root. Remain Vigilant and Finish Well • Keep reading “all the days of your life.” (Deuteronomy 17:19) • Stay a doer, not merely a hearer. (James 1:22) • Continually renew your mind to resist cultural drift. (Romans 12:2) Living Josiah’s Legacy Today Aligning with God’s will is not a one-time choice but an ongoing rhythm: return to the Word, humble yourself, cast down idols, obey fully, guide others, and persevere. As we do, the same peace and favor that marked Josiah’s reign will steady our hearts, whatever judgment may fall around us. |
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