2 Chron 17:3 The LORD was with Jehoshaphat because he followed the ways of his father David before him….
Asa did not finish well, but Jehoshaphat wasn’t doomed to follow in his footsteps, and he didn’t. He was more like David, imperfect, fallible David, who, despite his flaws and mistakes, had such a heart for God.
2 Chron 17:5 The LORD established the kingdom under his control; and all Judah brought gifts to Jehoshaphat, so that he had great wealth and honor.
I’m sometimes guilty of having a fatalistic attitude. I sometimes think, “I’ve messed this up so badly there is no going back from here. There is no making this right.” But God. He can make all things new. He loves us so deeply that there is never anything we can do to make Him walk away. And He is right there with us, waiting for us to call His name to reach out to Him. It is truly mind-boggling.
2 Chron 17:6 His heart was devoted to the ways of the LORD; furthermore, he removed the high places and the Asherah poles from Judah.
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for Your love, mercy, and grace, for new beginnings and second chances. Help us to seek Your face always, Lord, and when we find we’ve strayed from Your path, help us to find our footing and reconnect immediately. Draw us closer. Amen.
2 Chron 17:10 The fear of the LORD fell on all the kingdoms of the lands surrounding Judah, so that they did not go to war against Jehoshaphat.
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.