In what ways can we seek God's guidance like Josiah did? Setting the Scene with Josiah “Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. His mother’s name was Jedidah daughter of Adaiah; she was from Bozkath.” (2 Kings 22:1) Even as a child-king, Josiah’s reign would be marked by a deliberate search for the Lord’s direction. His life offers a roadmap for anyone longing to hear God’s voice today. Let Scripture Speak First • Josiah ordered the repair of the temple, and “Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the Law of the LORD” (2 Kings 22:8). • He didn’t treat Scripture as a curiosity; he had it read aloud (v. 10). • Psalm 119:105 echoes the principle: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Way to seek guidance: – Give the Bible the right of way in every decision. – Read it, hear it, and let it read you (Hebrews 4:12). Respond with a Tender Heart • “When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes.” (2 Kings 22:11) • Humility opened Josiah’s ears to God’s correction. Way to seek guidance: – Approach God’s Word ready to repent, not to debate. – “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit” (Psalm 51:17). Seek God-Fearing Counsel • Josiah sent a delegation to “inquire of the LORD” through Huldah the prophetess (2 Kings 22:13-14). • He wanted confirmation from someone who also feared God. Way to seek guidance: – Surround yourself with believers who handle the Word faithfully (Proverbs 11:14). – Listen for counsel that aligns with Scripture, not culture. Act on What You Hear • Josiah didn’t shelf the scroll; he launched nationwide reform (2 Kings 23:1-3). • James 1:22 says, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” Way to seek guidance: – Obedience turns revelation into a living conversation with God. – The next directive often comes after we’ve acted on the last one. Remove Competing Voices • Josiah “smashed the altars and Asherah poles” (2 Kings 23:4-14). • False worship dulls spiritual hearing. Way to seek guidance: – Evaluate habits, media, relationships—anything muting God’s voice—and clear them out (1 John 5:21). Re-Center on Covenant Worship • He reinstituted the Passover “as it is written in this Book of the Covenant” (2 Kings 23:21). • Seeking guidance flows from a heart that delights in worship. Way to seek guidance: – Gather with believers, celebrate the Lord’s Table, sing truth. – Worship tunes the heart to recognize God’s direction (Psalm 22:3). Persist Over a Lifetime • “In the eighteenth year of his reign…” (2 Kings 22:3) shows Josiah kept pursuing God long after his coronation. • Proverbs 3:5-6 promises straight paths to those who “trust in the LORD with all your heart.” Way to seek guidance: – Make pursuit of God your long game, not a crisis habit. – Keep turning to Him in each new season. Today’s Takeaways 1. Open the Bible daily—then open your heart. 2. Welcome conviction; it’s proof the Shepherd is near. 3. Invite wise, Word-saturated friends into your decisions. 4. Translate revelation into action quickly. 5. Remove idols, distractions, and sources of mixed messages. 6. Anchor guidance-seeking in regular, reverent worship. 7. Stay the course; guidance grows clearer to the steadfast. Following Josiah’s pattern is less about age, position, or era, and everything about posture—firm belief that God still speaks plainly through His Word and joyful readiness to obey when He does. |
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