Trusting God's Plan in the Battle: Lessons From the Life of JehoshaphatSample

Day 3: Seek First God

Yesterday, we learned the history of why the nation of Israel split up due to their idolatry. Enter King Jehoshaphat, ready to lead his nation in a godly way! “The LORD was with Jehoshaphat because in his early years he walked in the ways his father David had followed.” 2 Chronicles 17:3

This means God was with Jehoshaphat BECAUSE he put God first in everything he did, just like King David did when he first ruled the nation. This reminds me of a great principle that Jesus taught during the Sermon on the Mount when he said, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33.

Early in his reign, Jehoshaphat, “...did not consult the Baals but sought the God of his father and followed his commands rather than the practices of Israel.”

Jehoshaphat could have easily allowed his people to go worship whomever they wanted like their northern kingdom cousins were doing, but he knew that was strictly against what God had instructed them to do. “I am the LORD your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before me.” Deuteronomy 5: 6 - 7 Sound familiar? This is the first of the Ten Commandments.

As a godly man and leader, Jehoshaphat’s “...heart was devoted to the ways of the LORD.” He made sure there were no idols or idol worship in his kingdom. God firmly established the kingdom under his control because Jehoshaphat put God first in everything he did.

You can apply the SEEK GOD FIRST principle in your life today. Ask your Heavenly Father first when you:

• Make a decision
• Buy something of value
• Interview for a job
• Connect with people on dating apps
• Seek help for a problem

Bottom line, seek God first in everything and his blessings will follow!

Questions:

1. Why do you think God said, “You shall have no other gods before me”?

2. What does seeking God first look like in your life?

3. Would you say that your heart is fully devoted to God right now?