“And Judah gathered together to ask help from the Lord; even out of all cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord [yearning for Him with all their desire]. And Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem in the house of the Lord before the new court and said, O Lord, God of our fathers, are You not God in heaven?” 2 Chronicles 20:4-6

When Jehoshaphat heard that his enemies were mighty and powerful he proclaimed a fast in all Judah, and the people gathered to seek the Lord for help, yearning for Him with all their desire. To show his sincerity to God Jehoshaphat proclaimed the fast.

When we have a problem, it is good to spend extra time with God, perhaps using the time we would spend eating or watching television to pray and seek God’s wisdom. Instead of spending an evening with friends telling them all about our troubles and asking for their advice, use that time to go to God first. These types of actions show that we know hearing from God is vital.

“Then call on me when you are in trouble, and I’ll rescue you, and you will give me glory.” Psalm 50:15

The Psalmist knew and experienced that God is the only rescuer in his trouble. That faith helped him to turn to God with confidence.

To seek means to pursue, crave, and go after something with all your might. In other words, a person who seeks is like a starving man in search of food to keep himself alive. The process of seeking is that intense.

“Keep on asking, and you receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you”. Matthew 7:7

Dear friends, insistent seeking of God, I am certain, will give peace and prosperity.

My Prayer

Dear God I wish to seek you in my trouble but sometimes my seeking vanes with my frailty. God, You are merciful. Please hold me when I stumble.

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“And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.” 2 Chronicles 20:3

The initial reaction of Jehoshaphat, king of Israel, when he heard ‘a great multitude is coming against him from beyond the sea, was fear. This reaction, fear, when we hear bad news or unexpected events happen, is human frailty. All negative situations, like examination, interview, fight, distrust, enmity, death, etc.; invoke fear. And fear is not bad in itself if we treat it in the right way.

What do we do when fear strikes?

• Look what Jehoshaphat did when he feared. He set himself to seek the Lord; that’s it. When we are afraid seek God. Jehoshaphat was the king of Israel but has no false pretention, no boasting that he was capable of destroying his enemies without anyone’s help, even God. He analyzed the magnitude of his enemy, realized his own frailty and submitted himself to God.

To seek God first of all we have to submit our will to Him and realize God is almighty and we are just human.

“Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.” Proverbs 27:2

“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.” Proverbs 27:1

• ‘Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah’. Fasting is a form of penitence. Before seeking the blessing of God Jehoshaphat repented his mistakes and prepared his country to receive the grace of God through penitence. Because he knew that if he submited himself to God he would receive the ultimate protection of God.

Bible anecdotes are simple truths and ways help mankind to lead a peaceful and blessed life.

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