What steps can we take to seek God's guidance like Jehoshaphat did? Returning to Safe Ground—The Starting Point “Jehoshaphat king of Judah returned safely to his palace in Jerusalem.” (2 Chronicles 19:1) • Like Jehoshaphat, begin by recognizing God’s mercy in bringing you safely through previous choices—wise or unwise. • Let safety be a cue to reassess and realign your heart, not a reason to relax. Realign Your Heart through Repentance • 2 Chronicles 19:2–3 shows the prophet Jehu confronting the king for his alliance with Ahab. • Genuine guidance starts with humble repentance whenever God exposes missteps. • Psalm 139:23-24—“Search me, O God…lead me in the way everlasting.” Invite God’s searchlight. Listen to the Word before You Act • Earlier, Jehoshaphat had insisted, “First seek the counsel of the LORD.” (2 Chronicles 18:4) • Practical steps: – Read Scripture daily, expecting literal, trustworthy direction. – Weigh every plan against clear biblical commands and principles. – Proverbs 3:5-6—“Trust in the LORD with all your heart…He will make your paths straight.” Establish Justice in Everyday Decisions • 2 Chronicles 19:4-7 records the king appointing judges and charging them to judge “for the LORD.” • When our own affairs are ordered by God’s standards of right and wrong, His guidance becomes clearer. • Micah 6:8—“What does the LORD require of you but to act justly…” Practicing justice tunes the heart to God’s voice. Seek the LORD Earnestly through Prayer and Fasting • Faced with invasion, Jehoshaphat “resolved to seek the LORD. Then he proclaimed a fast.” (2 Chronicles 20:3) • Set aside focused times—turn off distractions, humble the body, sharpen spiritual hearing. • Acts 13:2—early church leaders heard God’s direction “while they were worshiping the Lord and fasting.” Gather with God’s People • “All Judah gathered to seek help from the LORD.” (2 Chronicles 20:4) • Corporate prayer brings collective wisdom, confirmation, and encouragement. • Hebrews 10:24-25—do not neglect assembling; guidance often comes through the body. Stand Still and Believe • Through Jahaziel the Spirit said, “You will not have to fight this battle. Stand firm…” (2 Chronicles 20:17) • After praying, wait expectantly. Refuse panic-driven decisions. • Isaiah 30:15—“In quietness and trust shall be your strength.” Move Forward in Praise • Jehoshaphat appointed singers to go before the army, saying, “Give thanks to the LORD, for His loving devotion endures forever.” (2 Chronicles 20:21) • Praise declares confidence in God’s guidance and readies the heart to obey whatever He says next. • Psalm 22:3—God “inhabits the praises of Israel”; where He is present, direction is sure. Putting It All Together 1. Acknowledge God’s mercy for past deliverance. 2. Repent quickly when corrected. 3. Anchor every decision in Scripture. 4. Align personal and communal life with God’s justice. 5. Intensify seeking through prayer and fasting. 6. Seek counsel and agreement in fellowship. 7. Wait in faith, then advance with worship. Following these biblical patterns, we place ourselves where God’s guidance, as literal and reliable as His Word, becomes unmistakably clear—just as it did for Jehoshaphat. |
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