Seeking Counsel From God

Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 18
Key Verse: v. 4

"But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, 'First seek the counsel of the LORD.'"

King Jehoshaphat of Judah found himself in a compromised position. He had allied himself through marriage to Ahab, the wicked king of Israel (2 Chronicles 18:1). Now as he visited his father-in-law he was drawn into assisting him in his war against the neighbouring Syrians. This was something godly kings were not to do. Later we read of "Jehu the seer" saying to Jehoshaphat when he returns to Jerusalem, "Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord?" (2 Chronicles 19:2). Helping Ahab was a mismatch, an "unequal yoke" (2 Corinthians 6:14).

Snared in this web of cooperation, Jehoshaphat yet tries to hold on to his battle tactics. He says to the king of Israel, a Baal worshipper, "First seek the counsel of the LORD" - that is, of Yahweh, the true God of Israel. Seeking counsel of God prior to battles was something King David had done earlier the history of the nation (1 Chronicles 14:10, 14). He would ask the LORD whether it was right to go up into battle, and seek wisdom to know how to engage in the fight. Invariably the LORD answered his inquiries and directed him in his ways. Well could his son Solomon later write, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths" (Proverbs 3:5,6).

Jesus embodied this spirit of dependence upon God in all his ways. Even though he was the Son of God, he did nothing by himself, but only what he saw his Father do (John 5: 19). We may surmise that he lived every day in a state of constant communion with his Father, always "seeking counsel" from him for what he was to do and say.

We no less than Jehoshaphat and Jesus are called to "seek counsel" from the Lord in the events of everyday life. We don't need to inquire of him through prophets as Jehoshaphat did because we have his Word and Spirit. But we still do need to ask. In all of our decisions our hearts need to turn to the Lord, asking that we might have the mind of Christ. God doesn't want us to be robots, but he does want us to live with constant reference to his will.

To Think About:

• Is it really practical to seek counsel from God in all our decisions and actions?
• Is this something you do?
• How does God direct us when we seek his wisdom today? Is there just one way, or does he use many means?